The Island Lesson Plan

Why is Winston insistent on not playing Antigone?

Student responses should be two prong. They should first remark on the gender differences between Winston and the character. Winston vehemently expresses his discomfort in portraying a woman. He does not want to wear a wig or jewelry out of fear of how he will be perceived by his peers. Students could also tease through the inherent elements of sexism in his disdain for portraying the character.

Secondly, students might remark on Winston's hesitation to playing Antigone because of her fate within the play. Antigone, who in many ways is a political prisoner similar to Winston and John, is ultimately sentenced to death....