The Prologue to Antigone: A Tale of Loyalty and Betrayal

👥The prologue highlights the strong bond between the sisters, Antigone and Ismene, as they discuss their family's tragic past and the decision to bury their brother.

⚖️The conflict between loyalty to family and loyalty to the state is a central theme in the prologue. Antigone believes in divine law and the importance of proper burial, while Ismene fears the consequences of disobeying the king's order.

👑King Creon's proclamation to leave Polynices unburied exposes his strict enforcement of loyalty to the city of Thebes after a bitter war. He uses the opportunity to unite his citizens against their enemies.

🧗‍♀️Antigone's determination to bury Polynices reveals her courage and willingness to sacrifice her own life for what she believes is just. She challenges the mortal law in favor of divine law.

💔The tragic family history of Oedipus and Jocasta, the parents of Antigone and Ismene, casts a shadow over their decision. They have lost everything and only have each other left.

Why is Antigone determined to bury Polynices?

—Antigone believes in the importance of proper burial and divine law, considering it her duty to honor her brother's body and show respect to the gods.

Why is Ismene hesitant to help Antigone?

—Ismene fears the consequences of disobeying King Creon's order to leave Polynices unburied. She prioritizes self-preservation and fears further tragedy for their family.

What is the conflict between loyalty to family and loyalty to the state?

—Antigone believes in the primacy of family loyalty and the importance of obeying divine law. Ismene, on the other hand, prioritizes loyalty to the state and fears the consequences of defying the king's proclamation.

What does King Creon's proclamation signify?

—King Creon's proclamation highlights the tension between loyalty and justice. He enforces strict loyalty to the city of Thebes after a war, using Polynices' burial as an opportunity to unite his citizens against their enemies.

What is the significance of the sisters' tragic family history?

—The tragic history of Oedipus and Jocasta, the parents of Antigone and Ismene, serves as a reminder of their past misfortunes and motivates their hesitation in making decisions that could lead to more tragedy.

00:09The prologue to Antigone is set in front of the royal palace in Thebes. Antigone and Ismene are discussing their family's recent history and King Creon's proclamation.

00:17Antigone reveals that Polynices, their brother, is left unburied according to Creon's orders.

00:29Antigone believes it is their duty to bury Polynices and is determined to do so, while Ismene is hesitant and fears the consequences.

00:46Antigone criticizes Creon for treating their brothers' deaths unfairly, with one receiving a proper burial and the other being left unburied.

01:14Antigone tells Ismene about Creon's severe punishment for anyone who interferes with the burial of Polynices.

02:01Antigone informs Ismene of her determination to bury Polynices, even if she has to do it alone.

02:22Antigone criticizes Creon's proclamation, seeing it as an offense to the gods and believes it is more important to obey divine law.

02:52Ismene is hesitant to defy Creon's order, fearing the consequences, and highlights their tragic family history.