Exploring the Text

ANTIGONE AND ISMENE

what did we focus on when exploring the text?
For the first seen we looked at the relationship between Ismene and Antigone, and how they differ. Antigone follows her heart, and will do anything for her family even if it means breaking the law, whereas Ismene is more cautious and frightened of going against what the king has said.

how did you explore the characters practically?
When given the scene, i was able to explore antigone vocally and physically. How she may stand and portray herself to other people, also her tone of voice and if that would change depending on who she was speaking to. I decided she was very strong willed and proud, it was interesting to see other peoples interpretations of the scene.

what did you discover about the relationship between the sisters?
It was interesting to explore the relationship between the sisters because at first they seem very different as they want different things and have different values, however when you analyse the relationship more in some ways they are similar. They are both stubborn and quite proud, as neither of them can persuade each other that their decision is the best one.

how did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about historical context?
It linked to what we had previously learnt because in Greece, people had many different opinions on what is right and wrong, this is shown through Antigone and Ismene's relationship as they have different views and values. It also shows that peoples beliefs in the what is right can drive the to go against the law.

ANTIGONE AND CREON

what did we focus on when exploring the scene?
we focused on how Creon put reputation and status before his own family. We explored the fact that he ignored his relationship with Antigone and also wouldn't listen to anything he had to say, I came to realise he was a very arrogant character who only listened to himself and always thought he knew best. He also has no sympathy for Antigone even though she has lost both her brothers

how did you explore the characters practically?
Playing Antigone, I explored the confusion she would feel as she is being threatened with death by her own family. Also the anger she would feel as she is not being listened to by Creon. She knows what she did was right, and it's frustrating for her that Creon won't even listen or allow her to try and justify her actions. I think in this seen you have to balance her angry pleading Creon to listen but also her pride that she will not give into him and will stand by her actions.

what did you discover about the relationship between the characters?
Creon and Antigone have very conflicting values and beliefs which causes them to disagree. Antigone feels that Creon should take her seriously but he looks down on her disrespectfully when she breaks the law. Not only does Antigone feel like she had a good reason to go against Creon, but she feels like he doesn't take her seriously enough to understand where she is coming from.

how did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about the historical context?
in the session about historical context we leant how in Ancient Greece, men were seen as superior and had more respect than women. The scene we did supported this idea because Creon looked down on Antigone not only because of what she had done, but because she was a women, he thought she wasn't worth his time