Prologue (126-9): Antigone and Ismene argue bitterly about burying Polynices.
Parodos (129-130): Chorus celebrate Thebes's victory, report details of battle and attribute result to the gods.
Episode 1 (130-5):
a) Creon's speech - policy of wise ruler, edict on Polynices;
b) Sentry's tale: Polynices's body has been buried anonymously;
c) Argument - Creon blames sentry, and tells him to find the burier.
Stasimon 1 (135-5): Chorus's 'Ode to Man" - he's a clever creature, 'but must use his cleverness correctly.
Episode 2 (136-142):
a) Enter Antigone and sentry, who tells of second burial;
b) Antigone's speech: she justifies her action;
c) Creon's speech: he scorns Antigone's toughness, and summons Ismene;
d) Argument: Creon and Antigone swap insults and arguments;
e) Argument: Antigone and Ismene argue about whether Ismene is involved;
Creon joins in, and confirms Antigone's death penalty. (Haemon is mentioned for the first time.)
Stasimon 2 (142-3): Chorus laments the curse on Oedipus's family, and moans about suffering in general.
Episode 3 (143-7):
a) Haemon enters in conciliatory mood;
b) Creon's speech: sons should obey fathers, and subjects obey rulers;
c) Haemon's speech: Creon's action is unpopular and he should change it;
d) Argument: Creon scorns popular views, and Haemon threatens suicide;
e) Exit Haemon, and Creon sentences Antigone to being buried alive.
Stasimon 3 (147-8): Chorus sings of love, and its terrible power.
Episode 4 (148-151):
a) Kommos, with Antigone and Chorus: Antigone pities herself, while Chorus is half critical, half sympathetic;
b) Creon's speech: time to send Antigone away;
c) Antigone's final speech: she's off to join her relatives.
Stasimon 4 (151-2): Chorus compares Antigone with 3 mythological persons.
Episode 5 (152-6):
a) Teiresias and Creon meet;
b) Teiresias's speech 1: Polynices must be buried, to avoid pollution;
c) Creon's speech: pours scorn on Teiresias and distrusts his motives;
d) Argument: exchange of insults;
e) Teiresias's speech 2: Haemon will die, as punishment to Creon; exit;
f) Creon and Chorus: Creon breaks down, and Chorus persuades him to release Antigone and bury Polynices.
Stasimon 5 (156-7): Chorus asks Bacchus to help Thebes in distress.
Exodos (157-162):
a) First messenger: Creon is in big trouble;
b) Conversation: messenger tells Chorus of Haemon's death;
c) Eurydice enters, and asks for more details;
d) First messenger's speech: burial of Polynices, suicides of Antigone and Haemon.
e) Exit Eurydice; messenger and Chorus get worried; exit messenger;
f) Creon's speech (after entry): laments his stupidity and misfortune;
g) Second messenger, Chorus, Creon: Eurydice is dead, and Creon moans;
h) Creon and Chorus: general moaning.
C.Scupham
