Essay Questions

Why is the stage setting of Antigone bare? Why is there a focus on the color grey?

Jean Anouilh was interested in the idea of neutrality. If one is neutral, they are capable of coming to their own opinions about the situation and characters. Creon and Antigone have a discussion that takes up a huge portion of the play, showing Anouilh's interest in discourse instead of presumptions.

What killed the two brothers of Antigone, Polynices and Eteocles?

A civil war which the two brought upon themselves. The two were supposed to share the throne after Oedipus, but Eteocles did not return the position to his brother when his time was up. Polynices found allies, and the brothers fought, dying in the same day.

Describe the role of Ismene.

Ismene is the sister of Antigone, who also cared for her two brothers and is disturbed by the fact that Polynices is not allowed a funeral or burial. However, Ismene is against the idea of burying Polynices against the king's wishes. She sees Antigone's decision as pointless. It is true that Antigone is described as being motivated by emotion rather than logical thinking, which makes Ismene seem to be the reasonable sister.

Why does Antigone choose death over marrying her love, Haemon?

Antigone is motivated to stick with her decision to defy Creon's orders by the fact that the decision she made was her own. Anouilh focused on the idea of free choice, and Antigone's choice to die rather than live happily with Haemon was greatly influenced by the freedom to choose her own fate. She was driven by emotion and worried for her brother's soul if he did not receive a burial. Also, although Antigone loves Haemon, she cannot see a happy future for herself, as Creon offers her later.