This study guide was prepared by the students of John Marshall HighSchool’s Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Ability Magnet during the fall of2003 and is part of an ongoing effort; comments, questions, orsuggestions are welcome at Online Literature Study, JMHS Magnet,Silverlake, California, 90027.

Antigone-

Cell#1- Blooood

Quote: “Ismene: To me, Antigone, no word of friends has come, orglad or grievous, since we twain were reft of our two brethren in oneday.”

Summary: Antigone and Ismene enter and are mourning theirbrothers who have died while fighting for control of Thebes. Ismeneasks Antigone what secret is bothering her.

Reading Comprehension: Why are Antigone and Ismene sad?

Vocabulary: “By double fratricide; and since the night…”A. destroying a fraternityB. two-facedC. destroying brothersD. cleansing

Discussion: Do you think the two girls are in any way mad at eachother because their brothers killed each other?

Cell #2- Here Lies Polyneices

Quote: “Antigone: No man may bury him or make lament—must leavehim tombless and unwept, a feast for kites to scent afar and swoonupon.”

Summary: Antigone tells of how Creon won’t let her bury herdishonored brother Polyneices and whomever tries to bury or mournhim will be put to death. Antigone wants to defy the decree and shewants Ismene’s help.

Reading Comprehension: What does Antigone want to do?

Vocabulary: “He will be here to promulgate, for such as have notheard, his mandate”

A. keep secretB. gossip

C. make knownD. fear

Discussion: Would you want to do the same thing as Antigone if yourbrother had been killed?

Cell #3- Dead like them

Quote: “Ismene: Shall we not perish wretchedest of all, in defense ofthe law we cross…”

Summary: Ismene doesn’t want to get in trouble for disobeying thelaw, and she fears they will end up like the other unfortunate membersof their family, and that since they are women they must obey thelaw. Antigone says she will bury him herself and that if she dies shewill be with her brother in the afterlife.

Reading Comprehension: What are some of the reasons Ismenegives for not wanting to help bury Polyneices?

Vocabulary: “Abhorred, dishonored, self-convicted of sin, blinded,himself his executioner.”

A. disgustingB. disgustedC. boarded upD. disclosed

Discussion: Would you side with Antigone or Ismene? Who is right?

Cell #4- Antigone the Valorous

Quote: “Ismene: But if the venture’s hopeless, why essay?Antigone: Sister, forbear, or I shall hate thee soon, and the dead manwill hate thee too, with cause. Say I am mad and give my madnessreign to wreck itself; the worst that can befall is but to die anhonorable death.”

Summary: Ismene says she fears for Antigone because she is doomedto fail. Antigone tells her to stop trying to change her mind, and saysthat she’ll die an honorable death. Ismene says she loves Antigoneand leaves.

Reading Comprehension: Why is Ismene afraid for Antigone?

Vocabulary: “A specious pretext. I will go alone to lap my dearestbrother in the grave.”

A. unbelievableB. believable but stupidC. stupidD. believable but wrong

Discussion: Is Ismene going to keep Antigone’s planning a secret?What would you do ifyou were Ismene?

Cell #5- The Chorus and Theban Propaganda

Quote: “Chorus: Now victory to Thebes returns again and smiles uponher chariot –circled pain. Now let feast and festal should memories ofwar blot out. Let us to the temples throng, dance and sing the livenight long.

Summary: The chorus comes in and denounces Polyneices andaccounts the events of the struggle and how he was defeated. Theydeclare the glory of Thebes and say that everyone should forget thewar and party.

Reading Comp: Does the chorus like Polyneices?

Vocab: “As at the goal the paean they upraise, he struck them withhis forked lighting blaze.”

A. hymnB. tomb

C. lightD. torch

Discussion: Why do you think the chorus doesn’t like Polyneices?

Cell #6- Selective Burial and Rotting Corpses

Quote: “Creon: For Polyneices ‘tis ordained that none shall give himburial or make mourn for him, but leave his corpse unburied, to bemeat for dogs and carrion crows.”

Summary: Creon talks to the chorus and says that he is now the kingsince he’s related to the dead brothers. He criticizes men who set theirfriends before their country, and tells them to bury Eteocles but notPolyneices because Eteocles fought for his country.

Reading Comp: Whom did Creon say it was okay to bury?

Vocabulary: “With all observances and ceremonies that are theguerdon of the heroic dead.”

A. punishmentB. deathC. reward

D. vigil

Discussion: Why doesn’t Creon like Polyneices?

Cell #7- Obey or Die!

Quote: “Chorus: What further duty would’st thou lay on us?Creon: not to connive at disobedience.Chorus: No man is mad enough to court his death.”

Summary: The chorus asks if there’s anything else Creon would havethem do and he says just not to disobey him. They say they won’t.Creon says sometimes the hope of gain has lured men to their deaths.

Reading Comp: Why does Creon think the Chorus might disobey him?

Vocabulary: “On younger shoulders lay this grievous charge.”A. seriousB. woundedC. in mourningD. sad

Discussion: What kinds of powers do you think the Chorus holds (as apolitical body or whatever they are)?

Cell #8- Pondering Guard, Angry Cleon

Quote: “Guard:… much thought extends a furlong to a league. But inthe end the forward voice prevailed to face thee. I will speak though Isay nothing. For plucking courage from despair methought ‘Let theworst hap, thou canst but meet thy fate.’”

Summary: The guard says he found something out that he wasreluctant to tell Creon at first, but in the end his conscience made himcome forward. He tells Creon not to get angry with him because he isjust the messenger. Creon tells him to just spill it and go away.

Reading Comp: Why did the guard come to see Creon?

Vocabulary: “What is thy news? Why this despondency?”A. low spiritednessB. high spiritednessC. truthfulnessD. falsity

Discussion: What do you think the guard has to tell Creon?

Antigone 1 Cell#1

Antigone: “ Isemene, sister of my blood and heart, see’st thou how Zeuswould in our lives fulfill the weird of Oedipus, a world of woes!”

Summary: In this part, Antigone complains to Isemene (her sister) of allthe misery in their lives and how Zeus is responsible for them.

Reading Comp.Who is Antigone’s sister?

Vocabulary Question“ For what of pain, affliction, outrage, shame, is lacking in our fortunes,thine and mine?In the line above, the word affliction most likely means,A. humiliationB. great sufferingC. enjoymentD. infection

Discussion QuestionDo you think it is right for Antigone to blame Zeus with all of her miseries?

Antigone 1 Cell#2

Isemene: “What is it? Some dark secret stirs thy breast.

Summary: Antigone sends for Isemene and has some secret to tell her.She tells Isemene about their dead brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, andexplain Isemene her feelings on their brothers death and the way they died.She tells Isemene that she feels it is unfair for them not to be able to givetheir brothers a proper burial.

Reading Comp.Who is Polyneices?

Vocabulary Question“ I know ‘twas so, and therefore summoned thee beyond the gates tobreathe it in thine ear.”In the line above, the word summoned most likely means,A. ProvokeB. InvokeC. CreateD. Convoke

Discussion QuestionHow would you feel if the law prevented you from burying a dearly lovedfamily member?

Antigone 1 Cell#3

Isemene: Wilt thou persist, though Creon has forbid?

Summary: Antigone wants Isemene to aid her in her attempt to goagainst Creon’s law and bury her brothers. Isemene says she is not suresince they will be going against Creon’s will. Antigone says she doesn’t careand she will go ahead with her plans.

Reading Comp.What does Antigone plan to do?

Vocabulary Question“ But how, my rash, fond sister, in such case can I do anything to make ormar?”In the line above, the word mar most likely means,A. RottenB. SpoilC. DestroyD. Dispense

Discussion QuestionIf it dealt with your family, would you go and do something that is againstthe law?

Antigone 1 Cell#4

Isemene: “Bethink thee, sister, of our father’s fate, abhorred, dishonored,self-convinced of sin, blinded, himself his executioner.”

Summary: Isemene tells her sister about their father mother’s death, andhow and why their father committed suicide. She tells her to use them as anexample of what could occur to her if she went ahead with her plans.Antigone just tells her to stop talking about it and that she will go aheadwith her plans.

Reading Comp.How does Antigone and Isemene’s father die?

Vocabulary Question“… Abhorred, dishonored, self-convinced of sin, blinded, himself hisexecutioner.”In the line above, the word abhorred most likely means,A. LoathedB. AshamedC. LovedD. Peaceful

Discussion QuestionHow would you feel if someone you knew committed suicide?

Antigone 1 Cell#5

Isemene: My poor, fond sister, how I fear for thee!

Summary: Isemene tells Antigone that she would be useless to her andthat her reason for not participating in the plan. Antigone says that it is onlyan excuse for her not to participate in it. Isemene tells Antigone she isscared for her since she isn’t, but Antigone just tells her not to be, for theonly way she could hate her even more is if Isemene went and told thewhole town her plan.

Reading Comp.What does Antigone say is the only way she could hate her sister evenmore?

Vocabulary Question“But, if the venture’s hopeless, why essay?”In the line above, the word essay most likely means,A. TestB. EvaluateC. TryD. Prove

Discussion QuestionWould you like it if someone would be scared for you, when you aren’t?

Antigone 1 Cell#6

Antigone: “Sister, forbear, or I shall hate thee soon, and the dead manwill hate thee too, with cause.”

Summary: Antigone tells Ismene to leave or she will hate her and so willtheir dead brothers. Antigone also tells her to go ahead and call her crazybecause the only thing worse would be to die an honorable death. Isemenejust tells her to go away with her plans and that she will be always be lovedby the ones who love her.

Reading Comp.According to Antigone, what would be the only thing worse than to be calledcrazy?

Vocabulary Question“Have thine own way then; ‘tis a mad endeavor, yet to thy lovers thou artdear as ever.”In the line above, the word endeavor most likely means,A. EnterpriseB. EaterC. KillerD. Guise

Discussion QuestionWould you still like or love someone who just told you they hate you?

Antigone 1 Cell#7

Chorus(Ant.2): “Hovering around our city walls he waits, his spearmenraven at our seven gates.”

Summary: The chorus sings the fall of Polyneices’ power to an invadercalled the lord of Argos. They also tell how he waited for the perfect time tostrike and that Zeus was on his side since he hated the host invaded land.

Reading Comp.Who invaded Polyneices’ land?

Vocabulary Question“The argent shields, the host with scutcheons white”In the line above, the word scutcheons most likely means,A. An ArmoryB. A Protective PlateC. A ShieldD. A Weapon

Discussion QuestionDo you believe in the art of invading and conquering?

Antigone 1 Cell#8

Chorus(Str.2): “To earthy from earth rebounding, down he crashed; Thefire-brand from his impious hand was dashed, as like a Bacchic reveler on hecame, outbreathing hate and flame.”

Summary: The chorus continues to describe several events that occurredduring the battle and the actions that Zeus took to give Creon the advantageto take over Thebes.

Reading Comp.What is the name of the lord who took over Thebes?

Vocabulary Question“To earthy from earth rebounding, down he crashed;”In the line above, the word rebounding most likely means,A. A basketball statB. To protectC. To inflictD. Recoil

Discussion QuestionDo you think it is morally correct for a God to prefer one person to theother?

Antigone 1 Cell#9

Creon: “Elders, the gods have righted one again our storm-tossed ship ofstate, now safe in port.”

Summary: Creon basically is celebrating the victory. He appreciates thehelp of every one involved and especially the help of Zeus. Creon also startsto make promises of how he will rule and makes assurances that he willkeep his promises. He also says that they should leave Eteocles body out todecay and serve as food for the dogs.

Reading Comp.Who does Creon deeply appreciate?

Vocabulary Question“The foremost champion—duly bury him with all observances andceremonies that are the guerdon of the heroic dead.”In the line above, the word guerdon most likely means,A. TragediesB. MiseriesC. PenanceD. Reward

Discussion QuestionDo you think it is right for Creon to leave the body out to decay?

Antigone 1 Cell#10

Creon: “Fear not, I’ve posted guards to watch the corpse”

Summary: Creon tells the chorus that they better listens to what ever hesays or else it would be like assuring their death. Creon also states that he isnot that unjust and that he will not let the body be eaten but he will not giveit a proper burial.

Reading Comp.What does Creon tell the Chorus?

Vocabulary Question“See then ye execute what I ordain.”In the line above, the word ordain most likely means,A. HateB. LikeC. ParalyzeD. Order

Discussion QuestionDo you think the Chorus likes Creon?

Antigone 1 Cell#11

Creon: “For conscience piled her spur and curb by turns. ‘Why hurryheadlong to thy fate, poor fool?’ she whispered.”

Summary: The guard is a saying how he feels about Croen and how hisconscience tells him not to trust Croen because he might not turn out to bethe person they think he is.

Reading Comp.Who tells the guard not to trust Creon?

Vocabulary Question“What is thy news? Why this despondency?”In the line above, the word despondency most likely means,A. HappinessB. CourageC. RebellionD. Unhappiness

Discussion QuestionWould you trust someone like Creon?

Antigone 1 Cell#12

Guard: “Well, it must out; the corpse is buried;…”

Summary: The guard tells Creon that he will not be involve, for he hasdone nothing in the process of conquering. The guard also tells Creon thatthe burial for Eteocles is complete with a proper ritual.

Reading Comp.Did Creon finally allow a proper burying ritual for Eteocles?

Vocabulary Question“Though art good at parry, and canst fence about some matter of graveimport, as is plain.”In the line above, the word parry most likely means,A. DefenseB. AttackC. IntelligenceD. Evade

Discussion QuestionWhat do you think could have caused Creon to change his mind about theburial?

Antigone 3Cell 1

Quote:IsmeneIs e’en this boon denied, to share thy lotAntigoneYeah, for thou chosed’st life, and I to die

Summary:Ismene is saying that she’s as guilty as Antigone for buryingtheir brother. However, Antigone doesn’t want her to takepart of the blame because she didn’t take part in buryinghim, and she would prefer if her sister lived.

Reading Comprehension Question:Why doesn’t Antigone want Ismene to take some of theblame?

Vocabulary Analysis:Find’st thou pleasure in these gibes?

In the quote above the word gibes most closely means:a. mockeriesb. troublesc. timesd. questions

Discussion Question?Why do you think Ismene is taking part of the blame?

Cell 2

Quote:IsmeneWhat life for me without my sister here?

Summary:Creon says that Ismene is crazy for saying that she’s guilty.Ismene says that it was something she felt she had to do,and questions why Creon is so willingly wanting to killAntigone, his son’s bride. Creon responds by saying thatthere are other, better women for his son.

Reading Comprehension Question:Who is Creon’s son’s bride?

Vocabulary Analysis:A plague on trulls who court and woo our sons

In the quote above trulls most closely means:a. trouble-makersb. childrenc. womend. prostitutes

Discussion Question:Why do you think Creon dislikes Antigone?

Cell 3

Quote:AntigoneO Haemon, how thy sire dishonors thee!

Summary:Antigone and the Chorus are in disbelief with the fact thatCreon is going to let Antigone be killed.

Reading Comprehension Question:Does the chorus agree that Antigone should be sentenced todeath?

Vocabulary Analysis:A plague on thee and thy accursed bride!

In the quote above the word plague most closely means:a. a diseaseb. an animalc. a treasured. a gift

Discussion Question:Do you think this is the end for Antigone?

Cell 4

Quote:ChorusThe light that dawned upon its last-born son is vanished,and the bloody axe of Fate Has felled the goodly tree thatblossomed late. O, Oedipus, by reckless pride undone!

Summary:The chorus says that some god had cursed the human raceand now we have to suffer.

Reading Comprehension Question:What had “undone” Oedipus?

Vocabulary Analysis:From days of old some god laid on the race a malison.

In the quote above the word malison most closely means:a. blessingb. cursec. forced. mourn

Discussion QuestionWhat does the quote mean?

Cell 5

Quote:ChorusHope flits about never-wearing wings; Profit to some, tosome light loves she brings, But no man knoweth how hergifts may turn, Till ‘neath his feet the treacherous ashesburn.

Summary:The chorus says that Hope exists always, but you can neverknow what kind of surprise it might bring you. Haemon, oneof her latest victims, is coming in angry because Antigonedefied orders and might be punished.

Reading Comprehension Question:Why is Haemon angry?

Vocabulary Analysis:Haemon, latest of thy brood;

In the quote above the word brood most closely means:a. enemiesb. offspringc. remainsd. students

Discussion Question:Is Hope good?

Cell 6

Quote:HaemonTherefore no wedlock shall by me be held more preciousthan thy loving governance

Summary:Creon asks his son if he is mad to hear that his finaljudgment was to kill his bride. Haemon responds by sayingthat no marriage means more than what his father says.

Reading Comprehension Question:Was Haemon mad at Creon?

Vocabulary Analysis:O father, I am thine, and I will take thy wisdom as the helmto steer withal

In the quote above the word helm most closely means:a. worldb. guidec. catalystd. wheel

Discussion Question:Do you really think Haemon wasn’t at least a little disurbed?If so, why do you think he didn’t speak up?

Cell 7

Quote:CreonSon, be warnedAnd let no woman fool away thy wits.Ill fares the husband mated with a shrewAnd her embraces very soon wax cold.For what cam wound so surely to the quickAs a false friend? So spue and cast her off,Bid her go find a husband with the dead.

Summary:Creon says that sons should always listen to their fathersand watch out for bad women. The ruler should have allpower to preserve order and ranks. Anarchy is bad becauseit ruins states; discipline is needed to maintain order andranks. The chorus agrees.

Reading Comprehension Question:What does Creon say is important to society? Why would hesay that?

Vocabulary Analysis:What evils are not wrought by Anarchy!She ruins States, and overthrows the home,She dissipates and routs the embattled host;

In the quote above the word embattled most closelymeans:

a. prepare for battleb. to fightc. angryd. content

Discussion Question:Why is anarchy a “she”?

Cell 8

Quote:HaemonFather, the gods implant in mortal menReason, the choicest gift bestowed by heaven.

Summary: [referring to his father]Haemon says that whoever thinks of himself as being thewisest, is really not, and does not make good decisions.Haemon advises his father to listen to others’ opinions, aswise men do.

Reading Comprehension Question:What is Haemon’s argument?

Vocabulary Analysis:When her own father slain in battle layUnsepulchered , she suffered not his corseTo lie for carrion birds and dogs to maul:

In the word above the word unsepulchered most closelymeans:a. not buriedb. deadc. unconsciousd. disturbed

Discussion Question:

Out of Creon and Haemon, who has the best argument?Why?

Cell 9

Quote:CreonWhat, would you have us at our age be schooled, lessenedin prudence by a beardless boy?

Summary:Haemon is suggesting that Creon should take his advicebecause he might learn something from it. Creon, however,thinks the idea is absurd.

Reading Comprehension Question:What does Haemon want?

Vocabulary Analysis:Strange merit this to sanction lawlessness

In the quote above the word merit most closely means:a. valueb. thingc. accusationd. document

Discussion Question:Do you think Creon will agree?

Cell 10

Quote:A state for one man is no state at all

Summary:Haemon is talking about how the City should take part indecisions that would affect the whole City. If that were thecase Antigone wouldn’t be in wait of the death penalty.Creon still strongly believes that he (the king) is the state,and what he says will always be right, and he doesn’t needthe City to tell him what to do.

Reading Comprehension Question:What does Haemon propose?

Vocabulary Analysis:Is not this maid an arrant law-breaker

In the quote above the word arrant most closely means:a. shamelessb. proudc. uglyd. dramatic

Discussion Question:Is Haemon making a good point?

Cell 11

Quote:CreonThe State is his who rules it, so ‘tis held.HaemonAs monarch of a desert thou wouldst shine.

Summary:Haemon and Creon argue about who is right and who iswrong.

Reading Comprehension Question:What does Haemon mean when he says “as monarch of adessert thou wouldst shine”?

Vocabulary Analysis:O reprobate, would’st wrangle with thy sire?

In the quote above the word reprobate most closelymeans:a. abandoned personb. distrustc. cursed. document

Discussion Question:What does this quote mean?

CreonThy speech at least was all a plea for her.HaemonAnd thee and me, and for the gods below.

Cell 12

Quote:CreonLiving the maid shall never be thy bride.HaemonSo she shall die, but one will die with her.

Summary:Creon tells Haemon that he will never marry Antigone andHaemon responds by telling him that if Antigone dies so willhe.

Reading Comprehension Question?How does Haemon threaten his father?

Vocabulary Question:Play not the spaniel, thou a woman’s slave.

In the quote above the word spaniel most closely means?a. flattererb. stupid manc. intelligent mand. indecisive man

Discussion Question:Do you think Haemon is doing the right thing by standing upto the king? Why?

Cell 13

Quote:HaemonThink not that in my sight the maid shall die,Or by my side; never shalt thou againBehold my face hereafter. Go, consortWith friends who like a madman for their mate.

Summary:Creon swears that he will kill Antigone, and asks the guardsto bring her out so Haemon can see. However, Haemon tellsCreon that Antigone will not die there, and then leaves.

Reading Comprehension Question:What does Haemon tell his father?

Vocabulary Analysis:And jeer and flout me with impunity.

In the quote above the word flout most closely means:a. cryb. scornc. hitd. hug

Discussion Question:What do you think Haemon will do next?

Cell 14

Quote:CreonLet him go vent his fury like a fiend:These sisters twain he shall not save from death.

Summary:Creon doesn’t feel threatened by his son. He says that bothAntigone and Ismene will be killed, but then changes hismind and says he will spare the sister with the clean hands,Ismene.

Reading Comprehension Question:Which sister has the clean hands? Why?

Vocabulary Analysis:Let him go vent his fury like a fiend:

In the quote above the word fiend most closely means:a. friendb. companionc. demond. enemy

Discussion Question:Do you think that it is right for Creon to sentence Antigoneto death for burying her brother?

Cell 15

Quote:CreonShe shall be taken to some desert placeBy man untrod, and in a rock-hewn cave,With food no more than to avoid the taintThat homicide might bring on all the State,Buried alive. There let her call in aidThe King of Death, the one god she reveres,Or learn too late a lesson learnt at last:‘Tis labor lost, to reverence the dead.

Summary:Creon says that Antigone is to be taken to a dessert caveand buried alive.

Reading Comprehension Question:According to Creon, who is the only god Antigone believesin?

Vocabulary Analysis:‘Tis labor lost, to reverence the dead.

In the quote above the word reverence most closelymeans:a. respectb. annoyc. kill

d. compliment

Discussion Question:Do you think Creon would have granted the same death planto Antigone if she weren’t his son’s bride?

Cell 16

Quote:ChorusMad are thy subjects all, and even the wisest heartStraight to folly will fall, at touch of thy poisoned dart.

Summary:The chorus talks about what Love can do to people.Everyone falls in her trap, even wise men, and families fightbecause of her.

Reading Comprehension Question:What does the chorus say?

Vocabulary Analysis:For as her consort still, enthroned with Justice above,Thou bendest man to thy will, O all invincible Love,

In the quote above the word consort most closely means:a. associateb. trustc. braveryd. breakage

Discussion Question:Why is the chorus giving this speech?

Cell 17

Quote:AntigoneFriends, countrymen, my last farewell I make;My journey’s done.One last fond, lingering, longing look I take at the brightsun.

Summary:The Chorus is upset that Antigone is going to die. Antigonemakes her last farewell.

Reading Comprehension Question:How does the chorus feel about Antigone’s sentence?

Vocabulary Analysis:Antigone, so young, so fair,Thus hurried down Death’s bowerWith the dead to share

In the quote above the word bower most closely means:a. cottageb. pathwayc. tunneld. tomb

Discussion Question:

How does the presence of the chorus affect yourunderstanding of the lessons of the play?

SummaryOur part begins with a conversation between Isemene and

Antigone, sisters to two feuding brother. The two are arguing overwhether or not Antigone will allow Ismene to take some of theblame for defying Creon's decree to not Oedipus's (the previousleader) son Polynices to have a proper burial. Antigone won’t allowit and it seem she refuses her sisters attempts to take some of theblame not out of that Ismene didn’t help, but a want t protect hersister. Antigone says that when she dies those who judge her willknow the truth so she shouldn’t lie to herself or anyone else.Ismene says her life would be horrible if her sister weren’t alive andAntigone says in a sarcastic way that she should ask their fatherCreon what to do considering how close they are, it seems a hint ofanger is shown at Ismene's failing to help her sister earlier.

Reading ComprehensionWhat was Creon's decree?

Discussion QuestionWhy did Antigone choose to die only to bury her brother? What doesthis tell us about the importance of a proper burial in that time period?

SummaryIsemene and Antigone continue their conversation about whether ornot both of them will take the blame for burying Polynices. Ismenebelieves that Antigone is joking at a time when jokes areinappropriate and Antigone replies that it doesn’t matter she isgoing to die anyways. She also refuses to allow her sister to takethe blame even though both of them have been suspected, she alsosays that it was her decision to bury her brother and that she knewat the time it would mean her death.

Reading ComprehensionWas it right for Creon to make Antigone and Ismene choose between the love of theirbrother and death? Why or why not?

Discussion QuestionWhy did Antigone choose to die only to bury her brother? What doesthis tell us about the importance of a proper burial in that time period?

SummaryCreon enters the room and the reader realizes that Creon knows

that it was only Antigone and not Ismene who buried Polynices.Creon makes a sarcastic comment that Oedipus had two daughters,one that was sane and went crazy, and the other that has beencrazy since she was a child; it is unclear which refers to Antigoneand which to Ismene. Ismene makes the argument that in horriblecircumstances one can lose their mind no matter how smart theywere to begin with. When Ismene asks what she should do whenhe kills her sister, as Antigone previously (and sarcastically) toldher to do, Creon says that her sister is already dead.

Reading ComprehensionDescribe the relation between Antigone, Ismene, Haemon, Polynices,Creon, and Oedipus.

Discussion QuestionIs it right for Creon to kill his son's fiancé, or anyone for that matter,simply for respecting and loving their sibling?

SummaryThis conversation clearly shows Creon's poor opinion of Antigone.

Ismene asks how Creon will live with himself after he has killed hisson, Haemon's, future bride. Creon says, rather crudely, that womenare a dime a dozen and that his son will find another t bear hischildren. Ismene replies that Haemon loves Antigone and she cannotbe so quickly replaced, Creon says she was just a type of gold diggerwho wooed his poor and stupid son. Antigone finally enters theconversation, having up till them been ignored, and says that Haemonshould be ashamed to have Creon for a father, Creon then curses her.The chorus asks if Creon will end his son’s marriage, he replies thatdeath is ending it, not himself.

Reading ComprehensionWhat is Creon's opinion of women?

Discussion QuestionWill Creon be successful in killing his son’s future bride?

SummaryIn this part it is revealed that the Chorus, essentially being the

status quo, is used as a scapegoat by Creon to blame Antigone’sdeath sentence on. The Chorus then goes into along a long speechthat basically says: people who know no pain are lucky, theyforesee bad things coming, tells the story of Oedipus, and prays toZeus for help.

Reading ComprehensionWho is being used as a scapegoat?

Discussion QuestionAre praying and begging the same thing? Support your answer.

SummaryCreon has a conversation with his son Haemon (who is engaged

to Antigone). Creon says that Haemon cannot be mad at his ownfather because he should know that everything father does for hisson is out of love and nothing else. Haemon responds that he isright and that he will accept his father’s judgment. At this point,however, Haemon only think that he and Antigone’s wedding isbeing called of not that she is going to be executed.

Reading GOmprehensionDoes Haemon know Antigone is going to be executed?

Discussion QuestionWhat will Haemon’s reaction are when he finds out about Creon’ssentence concerning Antigone?

SummaryCreon gives an incredibly long speech. He continues to trick his

son into thinking that the wedding is only called off never speakingof the near death of his son’s one-time future bride. It is clear thatCreon is a horrible father who is only using his song for his ownselfish reasons. It is also clear that Creon values his governmentposition more than his son.

Reading ComprehensionWhat doesn’t Creon mention to his son that Haemon woulddefinitely want to know?

Discussion QuestionIs it right for Creon to conveniently not mention Antigone’s futuredeath by his hand? Why does he do it?

SummaryThe Chorus, once again not sticking out their necks and doing anything to change asituation complement Creon on his long speech. Haemon then goes into his onlyhuge speech. H says that he knows that Antigone is going to be executed because heheard it in the streets but decided not to be mad as his father for not telling him. Heonly asks him to take back the death sentence because he really does love Antigone.

Reading ComprehensionHow did Haemon find out about the coming execution?

Discussion QuestionIs it merely right for Haemon not to try to save his once futurewife? What does it say about his relationship with his father andwith Antigone?

SummaryThe Chorus, being contradictory, once again agrees with all

those who could lead to problems for them in the future telling bothCreon and Haemon to listen to what the other has said. Creon sayshe shouldn’t have to listen to a boy, even his son and Haemon sayshe shouldn’t see him as a boy but or al the things he has done.When this argument doesn’t work, Haemon says that the peoplehave said they don’t want Antigone executed.

Reading ComprehensionDo the people want Antigone executed?

Discussion QuestionWhat could be the reason for the people not wanting Antigoneexecuted?

SummaryCreon, obviously not a supporter of democracy, says he refuses

to be ruled by “” the mob.” Haemon tries to tell his father howselfish he is being not listening to his own people but Creon won’tlisten.

Reading ComprehensionIs Thebes a democracy or a dictatorship?

Discussion QuestionWill the people respond kindly to their king’s total disregard of their

feelings?

SummaryCreon accused his son of being “whipped,” and Haemon

responds by calling his father a woman and thus says that yes heis. Creon can’t believe his son is arguing with his own father butHaemon says he shouldn’t be surprised because he is doing wrong.Creon replies very immaturely by calling him “whipped” once again.

Reading ComprehensionWhat is Haemon called for the 3rd time?

Discussion QuestionWho will come out on top in this argument?

SummaryHaemon denounces his father saying that this was the last time

he will talk to him. Creon replies that this is foolish since the wholeconversation was arguing over Antigone. Haemon says that withher death another shall come and Creon takes this as a threat.

Reading ComprehensionWho is called a woman?

Discussion QuestionThis conversation reaffirms Creon’s negative opinion of what group ofpeople?

SummaryCreon says that Haemon will rue the day he went against his

father, Haemon replies that it was a silly statement since he hadalready said Creon was no longer his father. Haemon is once againaccused of being whipped. Both then denounce each other sayingthe other is not worthy then Haemon leaves

Reading ComprehensionWho refuses to speak to whom anymore?

Discussion QuestionWill Haemon really “rue the day” he argued with his father?

Summary The Chorus once again agrees with whoever is in the room (Creon). The reader

tat first sees that Creon is not only going to kill Antigone but Ismene as well but theChorus corrects him. Creon then describes Antigone’s death by starvation andburying alive, all for Creon’s amusement at listening to her beg his forgiveness.

Reading ComprehsnionHow is Antigone going to be killed?

Discussion QuestionIs such a cruel death right? How is that different from the presentday electric chair?

SummaryThe Chorus then complains about love for a very long time.

Saying things like love is unkind, those who have never felt it arelucky, etc. Never talking about all the good things that supposedlysome from it.

Reading CommprehensionWhat does the Chorus complain about?

Discussion QuestionWith so many people talking about how bad love is, dos it seemsworth it?

SummaryAntigone gives her farewell speech. She talks about how she will

miss the sun and about how death will end all her suffering. Shesays she s sad for never having been married but now she ismarrying death itself.

Reading ComprehensionWhat is Antigone going to miss the most?

Discussion QuestionWill Antigone miss the sun or Haemon more?

Discussion Questions1.

Cell 1Quote: “unhappy king! What more do you wish to learn?” –theshepherdVocabulary: “very well since you insist upon _____”a. delaying b. dyingc. killing d. chokingdiscussion: would you insult a king who has the power to execute you?

Cell 2Quote: “for god’s love, my king, do not ask me any more!” –theshepherdVocabulary: “ah, I am on the brink of ______speech”a. dead b. retardedc. dreadful d. sinfuldiscussion: if you were Oedipus, would you want to find out aboutanything?

Cell 3Quote: “it was said that the boy would kill his own father”Vocabulary: “I _____ the baby, my king, and I thought that this manwould take him far away to his own country”a. killed b. chokedc. played with d. pitieddiscussion: would you have believed what an oracle predicted?

Cell 1E’xodos

Quote: Messenger: “Men of the line of Kadmos, you who live nearAmpion’s citadel: I cannot say of any condition of human life “This isfixed, this is clearly good or bad.”Fate raises up, and Fate casts downthe happy and unhappy alike:”

Summary: A messenger arrives with a message for all Kadmos menwho live near the citadel of Amphion, saying that he is uncertainwhether or not they will live, or the condition of the situation.

Reading Comprehension Question: Who is the message for?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, line most closelymeans:a) boundaryb) a geometric shape consisting of one mark extending into infinity inboth directionsc) ancestryd) a part of a poem

Discussion Question: Why do you think the messenger is so doubtful?

Cell 2E’xodosThe messenger’s speech.

Quote: Messenger: “Creon was happy once, as I count happiness:Victorious in battle, sole governor of the land, fortunate father ofchildren nobly born. And now it has all gone from him!”

Summary: The messenger(or whoever sent the messenger) is worriedabout Creon, and also using him as an example of the first part of hsspeech. He says that Creon was once the happiest man on Earth, butnow has lost all and is drowning in sorrow.

Reading Comprehension Question: What has happened to Creon thathas changed his prior happiness?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, sole meansa) a person’s inner essenceb) onlyc) bottom of a shoed) flatfish

Discussion Question: Why is Creon’s situation a good example of thefirst part of his speech?

Cell 3E’xodosChoragos responds.

Quote: Choragos: “Your words hint at sorrow: What is your news forus?Messenger: “They are dead. the living are guilty of their death.Choragos: “Who is guilty? Who is dead? Speak!Messenger: “Haimon. Haimon is dead; and the hand that killed himis his own hand.”

Summary: Choragos asks what the messenger’s speech is a preludeto. The messenger explains that Haimon killed himself.

Reading Comprehension Question: Who is dead, and how?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, hand most closelymeansa) the part of a clock that indicates the current timeb) pledge of marriagec) a persond) the part of the human body at the end of the wrist consisting of fourfingers and a prehensile thumb

Discussion Question: Why do you think Haimon killed himself?

Cell 4E’xodosClever Cell Title.

Quote: Choragos: “His father’s? Or his own?”Messenger: “His own, driven mad by the murder his father had done.”Choragos: “Teresias, Teresias, how clearly you saw it all!”Messenger: “This is my news: you must draw what conclusions youcan from it.”Choragos: “But look: Eurydice`, our Queen: has she overheard us?”

Summary: Choragos asks the messenger is it was Creon or Haimonwho killed Haimon. The messenger says it was Haimon, who had beendriven mad by the murder his father had committed. Choragos noticesthat Eurydice` is coming, and worries that she heard them.

Reading Comprehension Question: What does Choragos ask themessenger?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, draw most closelymeansa) prepare

b) inferc) adornd) wombat

Discussion Question: Why do you think Choragos would worry aboutEurydice’s overhearing them?

Cell 5E’xodosThe Queen speaks.

Quote: Eurydice: “I have heard something. friends: as I wasunlocking the gate of Pallas’ shrine, for I needed her help today, Iheard a voicetelling of some new sorrow. And I fainted there at the temple with allmy maidens about me. But speak again: Whatever it is, I can bear it:grief and I are no strangers.”

Summary: Eurydice arrives and says she has heard rumors of atragedy. She tells them to tell her what has happened, for she is usedto grief.

Reading Comprehension Question: Where and why did Eurydice faint?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, shrine most closelymeansa) place for worshipb) tombc) chocolated) statue

Discussion Question: Why did Eurydice need Pallas’s help?

Cell 6E’xodosIntroduction to the Messenger’s tale.

Quote: Messenger: “Dearest Lady, I will tell you plainly all that Ihave seen. I shall not try to comfort you: what is the use, sincecomfort could lie only in what is not true? The truth is always best.”

Summary: The messenger says to Eurydice that he will tell her all heknows without bothering to comfort her, because comfort could notcome from the truth. He then says that the truth is always best.

Reading Comprehension Question: Why doesn’t the messenger wantto comfort Eurydice?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, lie most closelymeansa) a horizontal position in which people restb) an untruthc) a stubborn persond) be found in

Discussion Question: Should the messenger attempt to comfort theQueen, even though that might require lying?

Cell 7E’xodosThe Messenger’s Tale part 1.

Quote: Messenger: “I went with Creon to the outer plain wherePolyneices was lying, no friend to pity him. his body shredded by dogs.We made our prayers in that place to Hecate and Pluto, that theywould be merciful.”

Summary: The messenger begins his tale by explaining the positionand state of the corpse of Polyneices. It was mangled and alone.They then prayed to Hecate and Pluto for mercy.

Reading Comprehension Question: Whose dead body was found?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, plain most closelymeansa) normalb) vanillac) a large, flat area of mostly grass

d) building

Discussion Question: Do you think that this is the news the Queenfeared?

Cell 8E’xodosThe Messenger’s tale part 2

Quote: Messenger: “And we bathed the corpse with holy water, andwe brought fresh-broken branches to burn what was left of it. Andupon the urn we heaped a towering barrow of the earth of his ownland.”

Summary: The messenger describes what they did with the body ofPolyneices. First, they washed it in holy water. Second, they burnedit. Third, they put the ashes into an urn, which they buried.

Reading Comprehension Question: What did the messenger andcompany do with the cleaned corpse of Polyneices?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, barrow mostclosely meansa) an ancient grave moundb) wheelbarrowc) corpsed) a badly done computer illustration

Discussion Question: Was Polyneice’s body treated appropriately?

Cell 9E’xodosThe Messenger’s extremely long tale part 3

Quote: Messenger: “When we were done, we ran to the vault whereAntigone lay on her couch of stone. One of the servants had goneahead, and while he was yet far off he heard a voice grieving withinthe chamber, and he came back and told Creon. And as the king wentclose, the air was full of wailing, the words lost, And he begged us tomake haste. “Am I a prophet?” he said, weeping, “And I must walkthis road, the saddest of all that I have gone before? My son’s voicecalls me on. Oh quickly, quickly! Look through the crevice there, andtell me if it is Haimon, or some deception of the gods!”

Summary: The messenger’s story continues with their arrival at thevault where Antigone’s corpse is. They heard wailing, and Creon yellsfor them to look at who it is.

Reading Comprehension Question: What is significant about thelocation they had arrived at in the messenger’s story?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, prophet mostclosely meansa) one who sees the futureb) one who talks with godsc) deathd) devil

Discussion Question: Why does Creon not look at who is wailinghimself?

Cell 10E’xodosThe Messenger’s increasingly boring story part 4

Quote: Messenger: “We saw her lying: She had made a noose of herfine linen veil and hanged herself. Haimon lay beside her, his armsabout her waist, lamenting her, his love lost under ground, crying outthat his father had stolen her away from him.”

Summary: The messenger describes what he saw: Haimon wasweeping over Antigone’s grave, crying that his father had stolen hislove from him.

Reading Comprehension Question: What did Haimon say hisfather(Creon) had done?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, lamenting mostclosely meansa) holdingb) expressing grief overc) yellingd) kicking

Discussion Question: What will Haimon do upon noticing his father’spresence?

Cell 11E’xodosThe end of the Messenger’s tale

Quote: Messenger: “ When Creon saw him the tears rushed rushed tohis eyes and he called to him; but Haimon spat in his face. He saidnot a word, staring- and suddenly he drew his sword and lunged.Creon shrank back, the blade missed and the boy, desperate againsthimself, drove it half its length into his own side, and fell.” [exitEurydice into the palace]

Summary: Creon called out to Haimon, who attacked him. Aftermissing Haimon stabs himself and dies. After hearing this, Eurydiceleaves.

Reading Comprehension Question: What does Haimon attempt to doto Creon?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, shrank mostclosely meansa) became smallerb) flinchedc) felld) leaped

Discussion Question: Was it right for Haimon to attempt to kill hisfather in revenge for Creon’s killing his love?

Cell 12E’xodosThe aftermath of the messenger’s tale.

Quote: Choragos: “She has left us without a word. What can thismean?”Messenger: “It troubles me, too; her grief is too great for publiclamentation, and doubtless she has gone to her chamber to weep forher dead son.”Choragos: “It may be so, but I fear this deep silence”Messenger: “I will go see what she is doing. I will go in.” [exitMessenger into the Palace]

Summary: After Eurydice’s leaving, Choragos and the Messengerworry about her. The Messenger goes into the palace to see what sheis doing.

Reading Comprehension Question: Why does the messenger go intothe palace?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, deep most closelymeansa) low-pitchedb) intensec) at a specified depthd) pointless

Discussion Question: What do you think the Messenger will find in thepalace?

Cell 13E’xodosThe bearer of bad news

Quote: [Enter Creon with attendants, bearing Haimon’s body]Choragos: “But here is the king himself: oh look at him, bearing hisown damnation in his arms.”[Enter Messenger from the Palace]Messenger: “The burden you carry in your hands is heavy, but it isnot all: you will find more in your house.”Creon: “What burden worse than this shall I find there?”Messenger: “The Queen is dead.”

Summary: Creon enters carrying Haimon’s body. The Messengercomes back from the palace and tells those present that Eurydice isdead.

Reading Comprehension Question: What new tragedy has occurred?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, burden mostclosely meansa) main theme of a documentb) a heavy loadc) the last name of a stupid kid named charlied) a boats cargo capacity

Discussion Question: How do you think the queen died?

Cell 14E’xodosThe Messenger’s second story

Quote: Messenger: “She stood before the altar, and her heartwelcomed the knife her own hand guided, and a great cry burst fromher lips for Megareus dead, and for Haimon dead, her sons; and herlast breath was a curse for their father, the murderer of her sons.”

Summary: The Messenger explains that Eurydice stabbed herself inthe heart. She then cried out about her dead loved ones. And withher last breath, cursed Creon for her sons’ murder.

Reading Comprehension Question: What was the last thing Eurydicesaid?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, altar most closelymeansa) to change

b) a table used for religionc) a zombie wombatd) a platform used for weddings

Discussion Question: Was it right for Eurydice to commit suicide?

Cell 15E’xodosThe end(finally)

Quote: Creon: “Lead me away. I have been rash and foolish. I havekilled my son and my wife. Fate has brought all my pride a thought ofdust.”

Chroagos: “there is no happiness where there is no wisdom; nowisdom but in submission to the gods. Big words are alwayspunished, and proud men in old age learn to be wise.

Summary: As Creon despairs, Choragos makes a final speech. Hesays that without wisdom, there can be no happiness. And wisdomcomes from submission to the gods.

Reading Comprehension Question: According to Chroagos, where doeswisdom come from?

Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, fate most closelymeansa) good luckb) bad luckc) destinyd) school

Discussion Question: What do you think will happen to Creon?

Antigone, Scene 5Cell #1:Summary: AfterCreon was warned byTeiresias, he has achange of mind anddecides to freeAntigone and alsogive her deadbrother, Polyneices, afuneral.

Quote:CREON: Ah! what awrench it is tosacrifice My heart'sresolve; but Fate is illto fight.

CHORUS: Go, trust not others. Do it quick thyself.CREON: I go hot-foot. Bestir ye one and all,My henchmen! Get ye axes! Speed awayTo yonder eminence! I too will go,For all my resolution this way sways.'Twas I that bound, I too will set her free.Almost I am persuaded it is bestTo keep through life the law ordained of old.

Questions:1. Why was Creon convinced by Teiresias even after swearing his

word?

2. CREON: "Ah! what a _______ it is to sacrifice my heart'sresolve; but Fate is ill to fight."

a. wrenchb. joyc. gloryd. surprise

3. Do you think that Creon will actually go and free Antigone andbuild a tomb for him?

Cell #2:Summary: Themessenger comes toChoragos with newsof the action that tookplace at the stonethat Antigone was at.He reports thatHaimen is dead, andhe was the one whokilled himself.

Quote:MESSENGER: Attend all ye who dwell beside the hallsOf Cadmus and Amphion. No man's lifeAs of one tenor would I praise or blame,For Fortune with a constant ebb and riseCasts down and raises high and low alike, And none can read a mortal's horoscope.CHORUS: What fresh woes bring'st thou to the royal house?MESSENGER: Both dead, and they who live deserve to die.CHORUS: Who is the slayer, who the victim? speak.MESSENGER: Haemon; his blood shed by no stranger hand.CHORUS:What mean ye? by his father's or his own?MESSENGER: His own; in anger for his father's crime.

Questions:1. Why would Haimen kill himself?

2. CHORUS: What fresh _____ bring'st thou to the royal house?"a. shrimpsb. happinessc. woesd. fish

3. Do you think that Haimen is the only one who died at thestone?

Cell #3:Summary: After themessenger reportsHaimen's death, theQueen appears fromthe Palace, telling themessenger to continuehis story because shehas overheard theirconversation.

Quote:CHORUS: Lo! from the palace gates I see approaching Creon'sunhappy wife, Eurydice. Comes she by chance or learning her son'sfate? [Enter EURYDICE]EURYDICE: Ye men of Thebes, I overheard your talk. As I passed outto offer up my prayer To Pallas, and was drawing back the bar To openwide the door, upon my ears There broke a wail that told of householdwoe Stricken with terror in my handmaids' arms I fell and fainted. Butrepeat your tale To one not unacquaint with misery.

Questions:

1. Will the messenger continue with his story now that theQueen has appeared?

2. EURYDICE: "There broke a _____ that told of household woe."a. laughb. windowc. glassd. wail

3. What do you predict the messenger's rest of the news wouldbe?

Cell #4:Summary: Themessenger tellsChoragos and theQueen what he haswitnessed: When heand the king arrivedat the stone, theysaw that Haimon wasby Antigone, who hadhung herself, with his

arms around her waist. Haimon went mad and tried to kill his fatherfor stealing his bride away from him, but instead he slain himself,dying next to Antigone.

Quote:Messenger: "Well, in attendance on my liege, your lord, I crossed theplain to its utmost margin, where The corse of Polyneices, gnawn andmauled, Was lying yet. We offered first a prayer To Pluto and thegoddess of cross-ways, With contrite hearts, to deprecate their ire.Then laved with lustral waves the mangled corse, Laid it on fresh-lopped branches, lit a pyre, And to his memory piled a mighty moundOf mother earth. Then to the caverned rock, The bridal chamber of themaid and Death, We sped, about to enter. But a guard Heard fromthat godless shrine a far shrill wail, And ran back to our lord to tell the

news. But as he nearer drew a hollow sound Of lamentation to theKing was borne. He groaned and uttered then this bitter plaint: "Am Ia prophet? miserable me! Is this the saddest path I ever trod? 'Tis myson's voice that calls me. On press on, My henchmen, haste withdouble speed to the tomb Where rocks down-torn have made a gap,look in And tell me if in truth I recognize The voice of Haemon or amheaven-deceived." So at the bidding of our distraught lord We looked,and in the craven's vaulted gloom I saw the maiden lying strangledthere, A noose of linen twined about her neck; And hard beside her,clasping her cold form, Her lover lay bewailing his dead bride Death-wedded, and his father's cruelty. When the King saw him, with aterrible groan He moved towards him, crying, "O my son What hastthou done? What ailed thee? What mischance Has reft thee of thyreason? O come forth, Come forth, my son; thy father supplicates."But the son glared at him with tiger eyes, Spat in his face, and then,without a word, Drew his two-hilted sword and smote, but missed Hisfather flying backwards. Then the boy, Wroth with himself, poorwretch, incontinent Fell on his sword and drove it through his sideHome, but yet breathing clasped in his lax arms The maid, her pallidcheek incarnadined With his expiring gasps. So there they lay Twocorpses, one in death. His marriage rites Are consummated in the hallsof Death: A witness that of ills whate'er befall Mortals' unwisdom is theworst of all."

Questions:1. How do you think Creon would feel about the death of his son

and Antigone?

2. Messenger: "A witness that of ills whate'er befall _____unwisdom is the worst of all."

a. mortals'b. gods'c. mans'd. woman's'

3. What will the Queen say or think of this news?

Cell #5:Summary: Afterhearing of this news,the Queen exitswithout saying asingle word. Themessenger andChoragos getconcerned and

worried about her, so the messenger decides to go and see what theQueen will do.

Quote: CHORUS: What makest thou of this? The Queen has goneWithout a word importing good or ill.

MESSENGER: Well, let us to the house and solve our doubts, Whetherthe tumult of her heart conceals Some fell design. It may be thou artright: Unnatural silence signifies no good.

Questions:1. Why did the Queen walk out without saying a word?

2. Messenger: " _____ silence signifies no good."a. naturalb. morningc. unnaturald. peculiar

3. What do you think that the Queen will do next?

Cell #6:Summary: Creonsadly returns,regretting all theterrible things he hasdone. He then learnsthat the Queen alsokilled herself, aftercursing Creon, whichmakes him feel muchworse.

Quote:CREON: (Ant. 2)Alas! another addedwoe I see. What moreremains to crown myagony? A minute pastI clasped a lifelessson, And now another

victim Death hath won. Unhappy mother, most unhappy son! SECONDMESSENGER: Beside the altar on a keen-edged sword She fell andclosed her eyes in night, but erst She mourned for Megareus whonobly died Long since, then for her son; with her last breath Shecursed thee, the slayer of her child.CREON: (Str. 3) I shudder with affright O for a two-edged sword toslay outright A wretch like me, Made one with misery.SECOND MESSENGER: 'Tis true that thou wert charged by the deadQueen As author of both deaths, hers and her son's.CREON: In what wise was her self-destruction wrought?SECOND MESSENGER: Hearing the loud lament above her son Withher own hand she stabbed herself to the heart.

Questions:1. Why did the queen kill herself and curse Timon?2. CREON: "What more remains to crown my ____________?"a. agonyb. wealthc. luckd. head

3. What will happen to Creon next?