Answer to Question #299203 in English for Kelsey Jand

Question

Antigone Scene Analysis

Directions: For each day of reading, please complete the following analysis of scenes and odes in complete sentences.

Ode #/Name: Ode 2

1. Description (what the ode says or describes)
2. Connection to Play (presents a theme, gives background, myth connection, etc)

Answer 1

Description

In this ode, Antigone is presented to Creon by the Sentry who caught her weeping over her brother, Polyneices', grave. Creon questions Antigone to find out whether she buried her brother and why she did that despite the royal decree he issued forbidding it. Antigone is unrelenting in her confession that she did bury her brother fully aware that it was 'outlawed' because the gods that she believes in dictate that it is right and dignified to bury the dead.

Creon is outraged by her confession. He is also suspicious of Sentry. He summons Antigone's sister, Ismene, who confesses to abetting her sister in burying their brother even though it is false. Ismene's lie infuriates Antigone and Creon vows to punish them both. Ismene asks for mercy for them, particularly for Antigone as she is betrothed to Creone's son, but Creon rejects her plea for mercy and the scene ends as Antigone and Ismene are to be escorted to the palace.

Connection to Play

Ode 2 enhances several themes in the play. One such theme is justice. Questions may be asked such as what is just and who decides that it is. In this ode, Creon is furious because he issued a law and it was broken by Antigone. However, Antigone ascribes to God's law and not Creon's, thus justifying her actions with this. Antigone believes that what she did is right and dignified. Conversely, Creon believes that not burying Polyneices is right because it serves as a lesson. It therefore leaves room for debate that reflects the reality of justice.