Overview
This script is a modern adaptation of "Antigone" by Sophocles, focusing on the conflict between Antigone and Creon over civil law versus familial and moral duty, as well as the consequences of pride, authority, and resistance.
Background and Setting
- The play is set in Thebes shortly after a civil war between Oedipus's sons, Eteocles and Polyneices.
- Thebes is recovering from turmoil, with Creon assuming kingship and enforcing strict civic laws.
Main Conflict and Character Motivations
- Creon decrees that Eteocles will receive a hero's burial while Polyneices' body is to remain unburied as punishment for treason.
- Antigone, motivated by family loyalty and divine law, decides to bury her brother Polyneices despite the king's edict.
- Ismene, Antigone's sister, fears breaking the law and initially refuses to help.
Key Events
- Antigone defies Creon's orders and buries her brother, leading to her arrest.
- Creon remains steadfast in upholding his law, even when confronted by his son Haemon, who is engaged to Antigone.
- The prophet Teiresias warns Creon that his refusal to allow Polyneices' burial and punishment of Antigone will bring disaster.
- Creon reluctantly decides to free Antigone and properly bury Polyneices, but it is too late: Antigone has taken her own life.
- Haemon, devastated, kills himself, followed by Creon's wife, Eurydice, after learning of her son's death.
Themes
- The play examines the conflict between state law and personal conscience.
- The dangers of absolute power and pride are highlighted through Creon's downfall.
- The role of fate and prophecy is underscored by Teiresias's involvement.
Decisions
- Antigone chooses to bury Polyneices in defiance of Creon's decree.
- Creon enforces his law by condemning Antigone to death, despite family appeals.
Action Items
- TBD – Creon: Implement proper burial for Polyneices as advised by Teiresias.
- TBD – Thebans: Reflect on the moral lessons from the tragic outcomes.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- What are the long-term impacts on Thebes's leadership after Creon's tragedies?
- How will future rulers balance state law with individual conscience?