"You shall not marry her this side of the grave." (Creon to Haimon)
The irony in this is that Haimon ends up commiting suicide to be with Antigone. He tells his father in vain that if she were to die, he would take his life. As it turns out, Haimon truly does not marry Antigone on that side of the grave, but they end up dying together.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
antigone #8
Civil Disobedience is wrong.
Argue the validity of the statement. Remember to use reason and logic, not strong emotion.
Civil disobedience is wrong most of the time, but there are few times when it is necessary to acheive a better goal, something that is more about the big picture of life. Great examples are, of course, Gahndi and the Civil Rights leaders of the sixties, who created a more peaceful world around them by not relying on violence to get their points across. Civil disobedience is also much less destructive to resolve and it usually ends up better for everyone. There are far more cases where civil disobedience is a bad thing, like people breaking laws.
Argue the validity of the statement. Remember to use reason and logic, not strong emotion.
Civil disobedience is wrong most of the time, but there are few times when it is necessary to acheive a better goal, something that is more about the big picture of life. Great examples are, of course, Gahndi and the Civil Rights leaders of the sixties, who created a more peaceful world around them by not relying on violence to get their points across. Civil disobedience is also much less destructive to resolve and it usually ends up better for everyone. There are far more cases where civil disobedience is a bad thing, like people breaking laws.
antigone #2
1. Antigone's choice to bury her brother despite the king's edict
Antigone chose to bury her brother because she knew it was right. She did it out of love and respect for her brother, and respect for what the gods would want. These two reasons were enough for her to disobey the King's orders and risk the consequences. She would rather face death than dishonor herself and her family.
Antigone chose to bury her brother because she knew it was right. She did it out of love and respect for her brother, and respect for what the gods would want. These two reasons were enough for her to disobey the King's orders and risk the consequences. She would rather face death than dishonor herself and her family.
antigone #8
Civil disobedience is wrong.
Argue the validity of this statement. Remember to use logic and reason, not emotions.
Civil disobedience can be wrong, but in some situations it is necessary to be civily disobidient to get whats right. There are times when something is wrong and you need to change it, and the only way to get your point across is to be disobidient. Since your trying to change something wrong, civil disobedience can be considered the right thing to do.
Argue the validity of this statement. Remember to use logic and reason, not emotions.
Civil disobedience can be wrong, but in some situations it is necessary to be civily disobidient to get whats right. There are times when something is wrong and you need to change it, and the only way to get your point across is to be disobidient. Since your trying to change something wrong, civil disobedience can be considered the right thing to do.
Hamilton Reply #1
When reading the mythology book, examine the hero tales closely (focus on the Greek and Roman heroes). What do these tales have in common?
Many heroes triumphs or failures were brought about them by the Gods. Such as the Judgement of Paris, when Eris delivered a golden apple that said 'For the Fairest', and three goddesses wanted it. (Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.) After Aphrodite had promised him the fairest woman to wed, he chose her, and then she ended up giving him a woman who was about to be wed.
Hera's constant jealousy caused a lot of stories in the Illiad, as well as the Odyssey, for her unfaithful husband Zues was constantly longing for other woman.
The Odyssey began over the terrible Fall of Troy and the constant intervention of the God's.
When thought about, the tales told would not be as interesting without the God's, and Hamilton even thought that humans were better without them. But without the gods, the stories may have never been told.
Many heroes triumphs or failures were brought about them by the Gods. Such as the Judgement of Paris, when Eris delivered a golden apple that said 'For the Fairest', and three goddesses wanted it. (Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.) After Aphrodite had promised him the fairest woman to wed, he chose her, and then she ended up giving him a woman who was about to be wed.
Hera's constant jealousy caused a lot of stories in the Illiad, as well as the Odyssey, for her unfaithful husband Zues was constantly longing for other woman.
The Odyssey began over the terrible Fall of Troy and the constant intervention of the God's.
When thought about, the tales told would not be as interesting without the God's, and Hamilton even thought that humans were better without them. But without the gods, the stories may have never been told.
Civil Disobedience
Obviously, disobeying is almost never the right thing to do, but if there was ever a way to disobey, civil disobedience is the best. If we had a perfect government that was ruled by the people, and everyone agreed about everything, it would not be necessary to disobey. Unfortunately, we, the people, do not rule. In order to get what we want, we have to fight for it, preferably in a non-violent (civil) way. It works better than fighting physically. Gandhi fought the laws with civil disobedience, and even though there were problems along the way, they one in the end. So, although people should not disobey at all, civil disobedience is often necessary.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Antigone#7
Read the following statements and explain the irony in one.
"There is no art that teaches us to know the temper, mind or spirit of any man until he has been proved by government and lawgiving." (Creon's proclamation of the edict)
"But it is those that are most obstinate suffer the greatest fall." (Creon at Antigone's arrest)
When Creon tells Haimon, "You shall not marry her this side of the grave," he does not want his son to marry a disobedient woman like Antigone. The irony in this is when after the prophet, Tiresias, tells Creon about the upcoming plague because of his order not to bury Polyneices and locking Antigone away. Creon makes sure Polyneices has the proper burial, then sets off for the tomb that Antigone was locked away in. When Creon arrives he sees his son, Haimon, holding Antigone, as she is hanging from a cloth that she used to hang herself with. When Haimon sees his father he pulls out his sword and tries to attack his father, Creon, but he runs away. Haimon kills himself with his sword to be reunited with Antigone. Basically, to marry her on the other side of the grave.
Antigone#8
Civil disobedience is wrong.
Argue the validity of this statement. Remember to use logic and reason, not emotions.
I believe, civil disobedience has its ups and downs. If you believe in something you should stick by it through the end, even if it means being disobedient. Then again, the consequences you may be facing with sticking to what you believe in might be a serve punishment. Just like the one Antigone got from burying her brother, Polyneices. She believed that all dead persons should have a proper burial since that was the way of the gods. Antigone stuck through to her plan, even without the help of her sister, Ismene. Antigone was willing to take punishment for her civil disobedience from Creon's order. In the end, her brother, Polyneices, was buried, but she died fighting for what she believed in.
I believe, civil disobedience has its ups and downs. If you believe in something you should stick by it through the end, even if it means being disobedient. Then again, the consequences you may be facing with sticking to what you believe in might be a serve punishment. Just like the one Antigone got from burying her brother, Polyneices. She believed that all dead persons should have a proper burial since that was the way of the gods. Antigone stuck through to her plan, even without the help of her sister, Ismene. Antigone was willing to take punishment for her civil disobedience from Creon's order. In the end, her brother, Polyneices, was buried, but she died fighting for what she believed in.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Antigone #8
Civil Disobedience is wrong.
Everyone learns how civil disobedience can be great in 1st grade. It maintains a healthy country, because it keeps a government in check. Within the government are things we call checks and balances. Well, the government and the average people have something very similar. If the people get out of hand the government will create laws to solve problems and keep people in check.
Thankfully, it's a two way street. When the government gets out of hand people can go on strike, write to the government, join the government, or if it need be overthrow the government. Everything in our country has checks and balances whether obvious or not, it's what keeps things running as well as they do.
Everyone learns how civil disobedience can be great in 1st grade. It maintains a healthy country, because it keeps a government in check. Within the government are things we call checks and balances. Well, the government and the average people have something very similar. If the people get out of hand the government will create laws to solve problems and keep people in check.
Thankfully, it's a two way street. When the government gets out of hand people can go on strike, write to the government, join the government, or if it need be overthrow the government. Everything in our country has checks and balances whether obvious or not, it's what keeps things running as well as they do.
Hammilton #1
When reading the mythology book, examine the hero tales closely (focus on the Greek and Roman heroes). What do these tales have in common?
All heroes in tales in myths (practically universally) have one flaw. Sometimes more but always a FATAL flaw. It is an attribute or something similar that is their only imperfection. Someone will ALWAYS take advantage of this flaw, and well, that's why they're called fatal flaws.
All heroes in tales in myths (practically universally) have one flaw. Sometimes more but always a FATAL flaw. It is an attribute or something similar that is their only imperfection. Someone will ALWAYS take advantage of this flaw, and well, that's why they're called fatal flaws.
Antigone #8
Civil disobedience is wrong.
Argue the validity of this statement. Remember to use logic and reason, not emotions.
In my opinion, civil disobedience, is not necessarily 100% right, but often necessary. In a perfect world, a government would truly be by the people, of the people, and for the people. This is never the case, however. Governments most often end up being run by the upper class, far removed from the needs and feelings of the majority. I think it is important to remember that civil disobedience has contributed greatly to many causes, including the great Civil Rights movement, which was one of the greatest hurdles our country has ever overcome.
In my opinion, civil disobedience, is not necessarily 100% right, but often necessary. In a perfect world, a government would truly be by the people, of the people, and for the people. This is never the case, however. Governments most often end up being run by the upper class, far removed from the needs and feelings of the majority. I think it is important to remember that civil disobedience has contributed greatly to many causes, including the great Civil Rights movement, which was one of the greatest hurdles our country has ever overcome.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
To obey or not to obey? That is the question.
Civil disobedience is wrong.
In a perfect world, this statement would be correct. To be disobedient, one has to have something to obey. This is where the government and laws come in, which reflect the will of the people. The government only exists because people only see it as a legitimate power. Without laws and a stable ruling power, people realize that anarchy will result. The government is merely there to look out for the people's best interests and only provide fair, unbiased laws. The structure that these laws sets up runs like a well-oiled machine. Then, civil disobedience comes along and throws a monkey wrench in the structure that everybody agrees with. People become uneasy and frightened when a government is questioned, and when people become frightened, bad things always follow in their wake. People will begin to start questioning the government and when more questions arise than the government can answer at a time people lose faith in the way the system works. When this occurs, chaos or a rebellion are sure to follow suit. Then the system, which is run by the government who are only looking out for people's best interests, completely breaks down and must be rebuilt or man will revert to his base instincts and look out for himself instead of the people or nation he used to identify himself with. In a Utopian society, civil disobedience is wrong.
In a perfect world, this statement would be correct. To be disobedient, one has to have something to obey. This is where the government and laws come in, which reflect the will of the people. The government only exists because people only see it as a legitimate power. Without laws and a stable ruling power, people realize that anarchy will result. The government is merely there to look out for the people's best interests and only provide fair, unbiased laws. The structure that these laws sets up runs like a well-oiled machine. Then, civil disobedience comes along and throws a monkey wrench in the structure that everybody agrees with. People become uneasy and frightened when a government is questioned, and when people become frightened, bad things always follow in their wake. People will begin to start questioning the government and when more questions arise than the government can answer at a time people lose faith in the way the system works. When this occurs, chaos or a rebellion are sure to follow suit. Then the system, which is run by the government who are only looking out for people's best interests, completely breaks down and must be rebuilt or man will revert to his base instincts and look out for himself instead of the people or nation he used to identify himself with. In a Utopian society, civil disobedience is wrong.
Antigone #7
Read the following statements and explain the irony in one.
"There is no art that teaches us to know the temper, mind or spirit of any man until he has been proved by government and lawgiving." (Creon's proclamation of the edict)
"But it is those that are most obstinate suffer the greatest fall." (Creon at Antigone's arrest)
"You shall not marry her this side of the grave!" (Creon to Haimon)
Creon accuses Antigone of obstinance in the quote "But it is those that are most obstinate suffer the greatest fall." This statement is ironic because Creon himself suffered the greatest fall from his own obstinance. He did not allow Antigone to bury her father, would not accept his son’s love for her and ignored Haimon’s request to free Antigone from her grave. He held firm showing a greater stubbornness, thus it was ironic that he said this to Antigone and it is only after he looses everything, his wife and child, and becomes a broken man that he realizes his tragic mistakes.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hamilton #1
The Greek and Roman tales of their heroes often have a lot in common. The heroes often come up with some way to get out of sticky situations. For example, when Oddysseus and his men are trying to escape from the blinded cyclopse, they hang on to the sides of the sheep and were able to get out of the cave. Another thing many hero tales have in common is that there are always gods that either help them on their journey, or try to prevent them from succeeding. Oddysseus had Posoeidon and Athena against him, until Athena helped him later on, and Aeneas had Juno against him and she made Aeolus send a huge storm upon him. Luckily for him, he had Neptune on his side. When Perseus went to kill Medusa, he got help from Athena. When Hercules took on many of his tasks, he was motivated by Zeus. Also, for most of the heroes, their only concern is getting home to their family. They have shipmates to help them home, but they don't care so much about what happens to them as long as he gets home. Oddysseus tried to save his shipmates when they were in trouble, but he just wanted them alive so that they could help him get home to his family. He didn't care about them. His mindset was similar to Aeneus's.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hamilton #1
When reading the mythology book, examine the hero tales closely (focus on the Greek and Roman heroes). What do these tales have in common?
The heroes in the mythology books often run into hardships that must be overcome. Odysseus' tale consisted of his twenty years it took him to finally reach his home. Not only had he fought in war for ten years, but he also had to fend off the gods and any other troubles he encountered for another ten years. Next he arrives home only to find that many men are swooning over his wife, but he quickly gets his happy ending by killing off the suitors with his sons help and is then reunited with Penelope. Hercules too had to face and challenge what are today called the labors of Hercules. Hercules did ten labors in atonement for killing his children. For his first four labors Hercules was sent to kill the dangerous beasts that roamed the countryside of Mycenae. Then he was sent to do the next six labors, each seemed like an impossible task, but Hercules cleared them with ease and with that Hercules felt he had successfully atoned for the deaths of his children. This chain is seen in many Greek and Roman myths because without a problem to overcome they wouldn't be heroes.
The heroes in the mythology books often run into hardships that must be overcome. Odysseus' tale consisted of his twenty years it took him to finally reach his home. Not only had he fought in war for ten years, but he also had to fend off the gods and any other troubles he encountered for another ten years. Next he arrives home only to find that many men are swooning over his wife, but he quickly gets his happy ending by killing off the suitors with his sons help and is then reunited with Penelope. Hercules too had to face and challenge what are today called the labors of Hercules. Hercules did ten labors in atonement for killing his children. For his first four labors Hercules was sent to kill the dangerous beasts that roamed the countryside of Mycenae. Then he was sent to do the next six labors, each seemed like an impossible task, but Hercules cleared them with ease and with that Hercules felt he had successfully atoned for the deaths of his children. This chain is seen in many Greek and Roman myths because without a problem to overcome they wouldn't be heroes.
Antigone #2
3. Antigone' refusal to allow Ismene to share her guilt
Antigone refused to let Ismene share her guilt because Ismene did not help her to bury their brother. Ismene knew that men were superior to women and knew that if they buried their brother they would both be killed. However when Ismene found out that Antigone was going to be killed she decided that she was really a part of it. When she told Creon this Antigone would not have it. Seeing as how Ismene really did not help her and was against her doing it in the first place.
Emma-Jean Patterson
Antigone refused to let Ismene share her guilt because Ismene did not help her to bury their brother. Ismene knew that men were superior to women and knew that if they buried their brother they would both be killed. However when Ismene found out that Antigone was going to be killed she decided that she was really a part of it. When she told Creon this Antigone would not have it. Seeing as how Ismene really did not help her and was against her doing it in the first place.
Emma-Jean Patterson
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Edith's Mythology
One thing that I’ve noticed that most heroes have in common is that every hero has at least one exaggerated attribute. Theseus had strength and a strong sense of justice and had a great mind as well. Hercules was the strongest man on earth as well as the most self confident. Atlanta was strong swift and courageous and faster than any man. Odysseus was strong as well as clever. Many other heroes had attributes that normal humans would not. This is because most heroes are not exclusively mortal. Many are linked to Zeus such as Perseus and Hercules who are both the sons of Zeus but born to mortal mothers. Theseus was also linked to Zeus because he was the cousin of Hercules. Achilles was the son of a sea nymph and so he was not entirely human. Many heroes are linked to gods and from those gods come their great strength, courage, and cunning.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Hamilton #3
Examine the epics The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid. What similarities do they have in the course of these tales?
The plots of the epics The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid were all driven by certain characters’ need to show superiority over anyone they felt did them wrong. The Greeks laid siege on Troy after the Trojan prince, Paris, ran away with the wife of the King of Sparta, Helen. Due to an oath sworn to Helen’s father, the King of Sparta, Menelaus, had to punish Paris and take his wife back, but he could of been crafty and just punished Paris discretely. Instead, Menelaus called on all of Greece for assistance so he could prove his manliness by totally obliterating Troy, though it did take a decade. During the Trojan War, the great Greek warrior Achilles decided to pack up and leave the battle due to a personal conflict, but in the midst of leaving, Achilles’ lifelong pal, Patroclus, was killed by Hector of Troy. Instead of just continuing to leave, or even just avenging his friend’s death and leaving, he killed Hector, then attached the body to his chariot and rode around the walls of Troy. Achilles showed that he was absolutely interested in proving his dominance over the men of Troy. In the end, a beautiful city was destroyed, and many lives were lost just for Menelaus and the Greeks to prove the childish point of their Superiority.
The Odyssey was about the journey home of one of the surviving Greek warriors, Odysseus. In the beginning of the voyage, Odysseus was accompanied by several fellow warriors on his ship. One of the unfortunate stops on the voyage was on an island inhabited by cyclopes. Odysseus lost several men to the Cyclops Polyphemus during the time spent on the island. During the escape from the island, Poluphemus was blinded by the Greeks. Once Odysseus and his remaining men had set sail in their ship, Odysseus made sure to taunt Polyphemus with the fact that Odysseus was more clever than the cyclops. This angered the cyclops and nearly cause the escaping ship to be destroyed by a giant rock Polyphemus threw through the air. When Odysseus had finally reached his home in the end, instead of just throwing the extremely rude suitors out of his house, he made sure that he killed nearly every last one of them (excluding the singing bard), even going as far as to have all exits blocked off. Odysseus really could have just let the creeps go, instead he showed exactly how tough he was.
Lastly, the Aeneid. The events in this epic were first fueled by Hera(or Juno in this story) making sure Aeneas and his crew were blown off course when they were so close to their destination, mostly because she was still harboring a grudge against the Trojans because Paris didn’t offer her the golden apple. Juno could have gotten over it, but instead showed how big her pull was with the gods by getting the god of storms to help her out. Also, near the end of the epic, Aeneas got help from the Etruscan people, which was a crucial part of being victorious in his battle. The Etruscans helped Aeneas because one of his enemies was the cruel Mezentius, who was a very evil former Etruscan leader. The Etruscans deeply wanted to prove to Mezentius that they were superior in the end, which would be hard to find fault with them for desiring.
Throughout the three epics, there were many examples of characters’ feeling a need to show dominance/superiority or just “get even” with someone. Some cases were unreasonable, while others made absolute sense.
I wasn't sure if you want for us to make posts when responding to prompts, or just answer in the prompts' "comments" field. I decided to just make a new post to better catch your attention, but I'm happy to post in the comments next time if you'd like.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Hamilton #1
When reading the mythology book, examine the hero tales closely (focus on the Greek and Roman heroes). What do these tales have in common?
In the mythology book all tales are linked to gods in some way. Even if it started out being just a normal situation the gods seemed to intervene. During the Trojan War, Zeus sided with Troy even though in the end Troy did not succeed and the Greeks did the gods had still gotten in the middle of things. However, it was Zeus’s daughter they were fighting over, he could not resist Thetis, and he liked Troy best. Also, the gods came into play during the Quest for the Golden Fleece when Hera was trying to figure out how to help the Argonauts. She went to Aphrodite for help. Aphrdite sent her son Cupid to make Jason fall in love with Medea (the King’s daughter) because she was very skilled and could help them out. In the mythology tales the Gods always have a hand in things.
Emma-Jean Patterson
In the mythology book all tales are linked to gods in some way. Even if it started out being just a normal situation the gods seemed to intervene. During the Trojan War, Zeus sided with Troy even though in the end Troy did not succeed and the Greeks did the gods had still gotten in the middle of things. However, it was Zeus’s daughter they were fighting over, he could not resist Thetis, and he liked Troy best. Also, the gods came into play during the Quest for the Golden Fleece when Hera was trying to figure out how to help the Argonauts. She went to Aphrodite for help. Aphrdite sent her son Cupid to make Jason fall in love with Medea (the King’s daughter) because she was very skilled and could help them out. In the mythology tales the Gods always have a hand in things.
Emma-Jean Patterson
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Help me!!!!!
I was rereading the trojan war and I am a little confused. On page 193 when Diomedes sees Ares standing next to Hector at the gates of troy the book says that Hera asked zeus if she could drive him away, but a little further down affter Ares leaves it says that Ares was complaining about Athenas violence. So what im not shure about is who drove Ares away? Was it Hera, Athena or both?
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hamilton #3 Response
Examine the epics The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid. What similarities do they have in the course of these tales?
Character Foil, Parallel Character, or Catalyst?
Each of the minor characters played an important role in Sophocles' play, Antigone. The minor characters are Ismene, Haemon, the Sentry, Tiresias, Eurydice, and the Messenger. Each character was a foil, parallel character, and/or a catalyst. The foil has an opposite personality of one of the main characters, the parallel character brings out the theme in a larger way, and the catalyst starts trouble.
In Sophocles' Antigone, Ismene is considered to be the foil to Antigone. Compared to Antigone, Ismene is cowardly; Antigone is brave. Antigone showed courage by standing up to Creon whilst Ismene wanted to obey the law instead of showing family honor. When she tried to be a part of Antigone's plan, Ismene's resistance backfired because Antigone became just as stubborn to not let her help after the first lost cause.
Haemon was a character foil to Creon and also a catalyst. Haemon was calm compared to how Creon overreacted repeatedly. He was a catalyst due to the fact that he killed himself after Antigone hanged herself. When Haemon committed suicide, his mother, Eurydice, stabbed herself to death because by this time both of her sons were dead. Eurydice blamed everything on Creon.
The Sentry was a catalyst. The Sentry told Creon that Polyneices recieved a proper burial. At first they had no clue who did it, but then the Sentry saw Antigone by the burial and caught her red-handed. This caused Creon to give Antigone the death penalty.
Eurydice was a parallel character. Bringing on more death just enhanced the theme. She was also a catalyst because she brought more grief to her husband, Creon.
The Messenger was a catalyst which is pretty much self-explanatory. The messenger alerted the kingsmen that Antigone and Haemon transgressed suicide. Eurydice overheard that news and in turn went to the altar and stabbed herself to death.
Tiresias was both a parallel character and a catalyst. He was a parallel character because he was a blind prophet. He knew exactly what would happen and what the outcomes would be; he told Creon what was going to happen. Tiresias was a catalyst for a few reasons. For one thing, he indirectly put Creon onto the throne when he told Oedipus that he killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus was banished and so were his children, so, indirectly, Creon obtained the throne and became king. Because Creon became king and was a prideful jerk, Polyneices was not allowed to have a proper burial, leading to Antigone needing to break the law. Also, Tiresias caused Creon the be in fear of the gods for not giving Polyneices a proper burial. In turn, Creon buries Polyneices and tries to free Antigone, but he was too late for she had hanged herself.
In Sophocles' Antigone, Ismene is considered to be the foil to Antigone. Compared to Antigone, Ismene is cowardly; Antigone is brave. Antigone showed courage by standing up to Creon whilst Ismene wanted to obey the law instead of showing family honor. When she tried to be a part of Antigone's plan, Ismene's resistance backfired because Antigone became just as stubborn to not let her help after the first lost cause.
Haemon was a character foil to Creon and also a catalyst. Haemon was calm compared to how Creon overreacted repeatedly. He was a catalyst due to the fact that he killed himself after Antigone hanged herself. When Haemon committed suicide, his mother, Eurydice, stabbed herself to death because by this time both of her sons were dead. Eurydice blamed everything on Creon.
The Sentry was a catalyst. The Sentry told Creon that Polyneices recieved a proper burial. At first they had no clue who did it, but then the Sentry saw Antigone by the burial and caught her red-handed. This caused Creon to give Antigone the death penalty.
Eurydice was a parallel character. Bringing on more death just enhanced the theme. She was also a catalyst because she brought more grief to her husband, Creon.
The Messenger was a catalyst which is pretty much self-explanatory. The messenger alerted the kingsmen that Antigone and Haemon transgressed suicide. Eurydice overheard that news and in turn went to the altar and stabbed herself to death.
Tiresias was both a parallel character and a catalyst. He was a parallel character because he was a blind prophet. He knew exactly what would happen and what the outcomes would be; he told Creon what was going to happen. Tiresias was a catalyst for a few reasons. For one thing, he indirectly put Creon onto the throne when he told Oedipus that he killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus was banished and so were his children, so, indirectly, Creon obtained the throne and became king. Because Creon became king and was a prideful jerk, Polyneices was not allowed to have a proper burial, leading to Antigone needing to break the law. Also, Tiresias caused Creon the be in fear of the gods for not giving Polyneices a proper burial. In turn, Creon buries Polyneices and tries to free Antigone, but he was too late for she had hanged herself.
Why Creon decided to give in to the councels of Teiresias
Creon decided to give in to the councels of Teiresias because the councel came to him and told him that if he didn't bury Polyneices, whom Creon thought was disloyal, that a plague would come through Thebes. Creon had a change of heart and buried Polyneices. He then went to the cave to let Antigone go free, but when he got there, she had already hung herself. If Creon wouldn't have thought badly of Polyneices and had let him be buried in the first place, then he could have saved the grief of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice who all decided to commit suicide.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Hamilton #3
Examine the epics The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid. What similarities do they have in the course of these tales?
Antigone #8
Civil disobedience is wrong.
Argue the validity of this statement. Remember to use logic and reason, not emotions.
Antigone #7
Read the following statements and explain the irony in one.
"There is no art that teaches us to know the temper, mind or spirit of any man until he has been proved by government and lawgiving." (Creon's proclamation of the edict)
"But it is those that are most obstinate suffer the greatest fall." (Creon at Antigone's arrest)
"You shall not marry her this side of the grave!" (creon to Haimon)
Antigone #6
Find an image that is repeated in the play. Provide two quotes from the play with the image referenced and explain how you feel the image functions (ex. to characterize, foreshadow, create atmosphere, etc.).
Antigone #5
Discuss the structure of a Greek play. What might be the purpose of those long passages by the Chorus? How might that relate to the design of a Greek theater? (you will need to look at a Greek theater diagram)
Antigone #4
Make a family tree for Antigone and her family. Bring it to class on the first day of school.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The sisters' argument
I'm not super sure exactly what I'm supposed to do, so I'm just going to comment on the sisters' argument in the palace.
I think that Antigone was in the right by denying Ismene any share in the punishment. Because the "crime" that Antigone had commited was wrong only in Creon's eyes, the punishment was not a true punishment but an acknowledgement that the "perpetrator" had done right. For Antigone to be the only one sentenced to death wass to say that she was the only person to stand up for what was right, which she was. Antigone allowing Ismene to die by her side would have been a mockery of her action. Ismene wanted to die for selfish reasons that she made known by saying: "What do I care for a life, cut off from you?" She did not want to die for the Gods' wills, she wanted to die for herself. Antigone knew that she was dying for what was right and did not have any regret nor longing for a chance at life. "And if I am to die before my time I consider that a gain. Who on earth, alive in the midst of so much grief as I, could fail to find his death a rich reward?".
I think that Antigone was in the right by denying Ismene any share in the punishment. Because the "crime" that Antigone had commited was wrong only in Creon's eyes, the punishment was not a true punishment but an acknowledgement that the "perpetrator" had done right. For Antigone to be the only one sentenced to death wass to say that she was the only person to stand up for what was right, which she was. Antigone allowing Ismene to die by her side would have been a mockery of her action. Ismene wanted to die for selfish reasons that she made known by saying: "What do I care for a life, cut off from you?" She did not want to die for the Gods' wills, she wanted to die for herself. Antigone knew that she was dying for what was right and did not have any regret nor longing for a chance at life. "And if I am to die before my time I consider that a gain. Who on earth, alive in the midst of so much grief as I, could fail to find his death a rich reward?".
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Antigone's motives to bury her brother despite the king's edict
In the play Antigone; Antigone chooses to deny the king's edict, and to go forth with burying her brother, her possible consequence could be death itself. Under the king's rule, disobeying him would consider the person a traitor, even if it was Antigone doing the wrong deed of burying them. It also says that her sister, Ismene is with her when she is deciding whether or not to go against the king's edict. If the king found out about the situation, Ismene would suffer the consequences along with her sister Antigone.
Bribery or not?
Creon accuses Teiresias of accepting bribes.
Creon decided that Teiresias was being bribed which, obviously, he was not. Let's face it, the guy was backed into a corner. He had practically just had a shouting match with his son, and the said son had told him that his entire city-state was whispering about him because he had condemned Antigone to an excruciatingly slow, cruel death in her own tomb. Then, this old seer comes along and spouts doom and gloom, saying that it's all Creon's fault. Now, Creon, being a bullnecked man, goes on the offensive and attacks Teiresias's credibility. This turns into a trade off of insults, and Creon finds out his son is going to die because of his stubbornness and pride. He then blows a fuse and decides he is right and everyone else is wrong. This results in the virtual ending of Creon's life. He loses his son, wife, trusted advisor who helped him gain the kingship, and a future daughter-in-law. Other people were obviously affected from his decisions because everyone close to him basically died.
Creon decided that Teiresias was being bribed which, obviously, he was not. Let's face it, the guy was backed into a corner. He had practically just had a shouting match with his son, and the said son had told him that his entire city-state was whispering about him because he had condemned Antigone to an excruciatingly slow, cruel death in her own tomb. Then, this old seer comes along and spouts doom and gloom, saying that it's all Creon's fault. Now, Creon, being a bullnecked man, goes on the offensive and attacks Teiresias's credibility. This turns into a trade off of insults, and Creon finds out his son is going to die because of his stubbornness and pride. He then blows a fuse and decides he is right and everyone else is wrong. This results in the virtual ending of Creon's life. He loses his son, wife, trusted advisor who helped him gain the kingship, and a future daughter-in-law. Other people were obviously affected from his decisions because everyone close to him basically died.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Why Antigone Buried Her Brother Despite the Edict
Antigone ignored Creon's decree for two reasons: the gods and love.
Antigone buried Polynices nonetheless because she wished to obey the spiritual laws. The king's laws would always stand beneath the gods' orders. Antigone felt that if she gave Polynices a proper burial, she would be 'right' with the heavens. Since Polynices was of a good lineage, he was granted a proper burial, but after he left the city and Creon was throned, Creon thought he no longer deserved even a hint of respect. Creon would rather deal with the gods' wrath than to see his pride go down the drain.
Another reason Antigone disobeyed Creon was because she was compassionate. For her, she would rather die a painful death than to see her own brother rot in misery. If she would have let this happen, Antigone's honor for herself would be gone, knowing she let her brother die without even trying to save him. Even though Polynices did leave the city and was thought to be a traitor, she still loved him because he was family.
Antigone buried Polynices nonetheless because she wished to obey the spiritual laws. The king's laws would always stand beneath the gods' orders. Antigone felt that if she gave Polynices a proper burial, she would be 'right' with the heavens. Since Polynices was of a good lineage, he was granted a proper burial, but after he left the city and Creon was throned, Creon thought he no longer deserved even a hint of respect. Creon would rather deal with the gods' wrath than to see his pride go down the drain.
Another reason Antigone disobeyed Creon was because she was compassionate. For her, she would rather die a painful death than to see her own brother rot in misery. If she would have let this happen, Antigone's honor for herself would be gone, knowing she let her brother die without even trying to save him. Even though Polynices did leave the city and was thought to be a traitor, she still loved him because he was family.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hamilton #1
When reading the mythology book, examine the hero tales closely (focus on the Greek and Roman heroes). What do these tales have in common?
In Mythology, all of the hero tales have similar themes, if not always identical story lines. One theme that occurs over and over is that the heroes rarely accomplish their great deeds without the aid of the gods. The only way Perseus succeeded in his quest for Medusa's head was with extensive help from both Hermes and Athena. Odysseus was only released from Calypso's island with a mandate from Zeus, and the rest of his travels were aided by the likes of Ino, Athena, Hermes, and several others. Even the mighty Hercules, equal to the gods in many ways, was helped by Athena to drive away the Stymphalian birds. This common thread shows up in almost every heroic tale in Greek and Roman mythology.
In Mythology, all of the hero tales have similar themes, if not always identical story lines. One theme that occurs over and over is that the heroes rarely accomplish their great deeds without the aid of the gods. The only way Perseus succeeded in his quest for Medusa's head was with extensive help from both Hermes and Athena. Odysseus was only released from Calypso's island with a mandate from Zeus, and the rest of his travels were aided by the likes of Ino, Athena, Hermes, and several others. Even the mighty Hercules, equal to the gods in many ways, was helped by Athena to drive away the Stymphalian birds. This common thread shows up in almost every heroic tale in Greek and Roman mythology.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Creon's edict
Creon's decision to issue the edict against Polyneices' burial was made out of spite. The main reason Creon forbid Polyneices’ burial was he viewed him as a traitor “ravaging our country” as he said on page 32. Creon hated Polyneices for attacking Thebes and killing Eteocles who Creon views as a hero. Because of this and Creons once an enemy always an enemy mentality, Creon issued the edict forbidding Polyneices burial to exact vengeance on the traitor by dooming his spirit to eternal unrest.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Edith's Mythology Number One
The Greek and Roman heroes all have stories and myths. One thing they all have in common is, in their stories, they have gods that are either for them or against them. For example, in the judgement of Paris, Paris gave Aphrodite, rather thatn Hera or Athena, the golden apple. While Aphrodite was on his side because of his decision, Hera was infuriated and made Paris her enemy. This also led to the Trojan War.
Antigone or Mythology
What would be a good project to complete that would demonstrate comprehension, analysis, and application of elements from either the mythology book or Antigone? Be specific in the wording of the project you design. Be sure to list the medium of the final product (picture, PowerPoint presentation, playbill, etc.), the specifics that must be addressed in the final product, and a rubric that would be used to evaluate such product.
For example, two years ago my students worked in groups with an assigned hero (Theseus, Hercules, etc.). Their task was to learn the etiquette of job interviews and then role play a hero that was trying to hire a personal assistant. They knew they were going to be video taped. Things I specifically looked for in the process included a script, appropriate attire and props, knowledge of hero incorporated into dialogue, interviewing skills, and overall video production.
While that isn't the exact wording of the assignment I gave them, you should get the picture. If you choose to respond to this prompt, be sure this is a professional response. Imagine that I am going to pick some of these to assign to you in the first few days of school. Please send these as a word document attached to an email to me at mstengel@access.k12.wv.us.
Why I Think Antigone Chose to Defy Creon
The reason behind Antigone's behavior, in my point of view, has to do with honor and spiritual beliefs. Antigone wants her brother Polynices buried because they believe that the only way a soul can get eternal peace is by a correct burial. Otherwise, the spirit will be "condemned to eternal unrest". The holy laws state that this must be performed. Antigone believes that all laws should be followed, especially this one. Dealing with honor, I do believe Antigone wants to bring some of that honor to Polynices and her father. She is willing to disobey Creon's decree despite his set punishment. Honor goes a long way with the Greeks and Romans.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Antigone #3
You need to understand the concepts of character foils, parallel characters, and a catalyst. Look up these literary terms and apply them to the following prompt:
Antigone and Creon are not the only characters to make choices, advance the plot, or struggle with conflict. Consider each of the minor characters and their actions. Identify which label each should receive and why you designate that label. Some characters fit into more than one label.
Ismene, Haemon, Sentry, Teiresias, Eutydice, Messenger
If you pick character foil or parallel characters, they work in pairs and will usually be paired up with one of the main characters (Antigone or Creon).
Antigone #2
Analyze the characters' decisions. Pick one of the following choices made by either Antigone or Creon and tell me what you think was his or her motivating force(s) and the consequences for himself/herself and quite possibly others.
1. Antigone's choice to bury her brother despite the king's edict
2. Antigone's decision to insult Creon when he confronted her
3. Antigone' refusal to allow Ismene to share her guilt
4. Creon's decision to issue the edict against Polyneices' burial
5. Creon accuses Teiresias of accepting bribes
6. Creon's decision to give in to the counsels of Teiresias
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Events Prior To Antigone
The beginning of the play Antigone actually begins with the tale of Oedipus. Born to father King Laius and mother Queen Jocasta, he was conceived in Thebes. Apollo's oracle, located at Delphi, told a prophecy of great dismay. The king and queen were told that their son would grow up to kill King Laius, and marry his mother. Appalled, they decided to rid of him and be sure he was killed. They gave him to a shepherd, with his feet bound, and told the shepherd to abandon him for death to come. The shepherd had pity on the little baby and gave him to a Corinthian shepherd. This shepherd gives the baby to the king and queen of Corinth. They name him Oedipus, and raise him up into a young man. When Oedipus is older, he discovers the prophecy. He runs away from Corinth, thinking the king and queen are his real parents.
On his journey, he comes across a haughty man who runs him off the road with his chariot. Oedipus, angered, begins to fight the man. The rude stranger is killed, along with his men. Without knowing it, Oedipus kills his father, King Laius. He carried on with his wandering into Thebes. At this time, Thebes has been being threatened by the Sphinx, a creature with the body of a lion, wings, and the face and torso of a woman. She plagues men with a riddle, and when they get it wrong, she devours them. No one has gotten the answer to the riddle. Oedipus encounters this monster, and answers the riddle. The Sphinx then kills herself and Oedipus is free to pass. The citizens of Thebes welcome Oedipus as their savior, and he is proclaimed King of Thebes and, unbeknown, marries his mother. The prophecy has come true, and he has two sons, Polynices and and Eteocles, and two daughters, Antigone and Ismene with his new wife.
After a few years, a plague strikes Thebes, and the prophesied only way to end it is to punish the murderer of King Laius. Oedipus goes through many troubles to find the killer, and in the end learns it is he, the murderer of King Laius, in which he seeks. His mother is horrified, and if found dead by suicide in her chambers. Oedipus gouges out his eyes and is sentenced to wander to land, exiled from Thebes by Creon, Queen Jocasta's brother. Antigone accompanies him, and she and Ismene end up present at his death in Colonus. Eteocles becomes King of Thebes, and banishes his brother, Polynices. Polynices flees to Argos and raises an army, in which he begins battle agaisnt Thebes. Polynices and Eteocles both die, and Eteocles is given a proper burial. Creon declares Polynices a traitor, and decrees that his body shall not be buried and must be left to rot. Anyone who buries him will be put to death. This was very important back then, and a horrendous punishment because the Greeks believed that for the soul to be put to eternal rest, the dead person must have a proper burial. Antigone, being sister of Polynices, demands a proper burial for her brother. She believes that the Holy laws should be abided by. This begins the conflict between Antigone anf Creon.
On his journey, he comes across a haughty man who runs him off the road with his chariot. Oedipus, angered, begins to fight the man. The rude stranger is killed, along with his men. Without knowing it, Oedipus kills his father, King Laius. He carried on with his wandering into Thebes. At this time, Thebes has been being threatened by the Sphinx, a creature with the body of a lion, wings, and the face and torso of a woman. She plagues men with a riddle, and when they get it wrong, she devours them. No one has gotten the answer to the riddle. Oedipus encounters this monster, and answers the riddle. The Sphinx then kills herself and Oedipus is free to pass. The citizens of Thebes welcome Oedipus as their savior, and he is proclaimed King of Thebes and, unbeknown, marries his mother. The prophecy has come true, and he has two sons, Polynices and and Eteocles, and two daughters, Antigone and Ismene with his new wife.
After a few years, a plague strikes Thebes, and the prophesied only way to end it is to punish the murderer of King Laius. Oedipus goes through many troubles to find the killer, and in the end learns it is he, the murderer of King Laius, in which he seeks. His mother is horrified, and if found dead by suicide in her chambers. Oedipus gouges out his eyes and is sentenced to wander to land, exiled from Thebes by Creon, Queen Jocasta's brother. Antigone accompanies him, and she and Ismene end up present at his death in Colonus. Eteocles becomes King of Thebes, and banishes his brother, Polynices. Polynices flees to Argos and raises an army, in which he begins battle agaisnt Thebes. Polynices and Eteocles both die, and Eteocles is given a proper burial. Creon declares Polynices a traitor, and decrees that his body shall not be buried and must be left to rot. Anyone who buries him will be put to death. This was very important back then, and a horrendous punishment because the Greeks believed that for the soul to be put to eternal rest, the dead person must have a proper burial. Antigone, being sister of Polynices, demands a proper burial for her brother. She believes that the Holy laws should be abided by. This begins the conflict between Antigone anf Creon.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Edith's Mythology on Heroes
In the Mythology book, the stories told of heroes are often similar. One of the similarities is that the heroes usually get help from the gods. E.g. Athene helping Perseus kill Medusa, or Athene helping Odysseus as he was returning home. The heroes are also rather clever and have many tricks up their sleeves. Take Heracles for example: He cleaned the Augean Stables in one day using the river and tricked Atlas into holding the sky again. And when the heroes lose something in the tales, they also regain something in return.
Antigone #1
Antigone is actually the third play in a series of three. You have to be familiar with the Oedipus myth in Edith Hamilton's Mythology in order to understand the background leading into Antigone. It gives the resolution to the entire myth.
Ten points extra credit will be awarded to the first individual that can explain in his or her OWN words what events transpired before the beginning of Antigone. HINT: the answer can actually be found in the play and will need to be pieced together with the information from the mythology book.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hamilton #1
When reading the mythology book, examine the hero tales closely (focus on the Greek and Roman heroes). What do these tales have in common?
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