Antigone

 

 

Antigone

A tragedy by Sophocles

A new translation by Adina Meyer

The Northwest School 2016

 

 

Scene One:  The Sisters

 

Scene: In front of the Royal Palace* of Thebes, at night.

 

Antigone:

 

Ismene, dear sister!

Unhappy Oedipus was our father.

Our family is cursed!

We have seen pain.

We have known shame.

Ruin has come to our family.

There is no honor left to us.

 

But now – we know a new shame,

a new dishonor*!

10           Do you know it?

Have you heard it?

Oh, Ismene, new evil has come!

 

Ismene:

 

Antigone, I have heard nothing!

Our two brothers killed each other.

They are lost to us.

Our uncle Creon is now ruler of the city.

I know nothing more.

 

Antigone:

 

Then listen, and I will tell you.

 

Ismene:

 

What is it?  What dark news?

20           Is it terrible?

 

Antigone:

 

Yes, it is terrible.

Our two brothers – we loved them both.

But Creon, our uncle!

He honors one

and dishonors the other!

 

Eteocles, he says, defended the city.

He will bury Eteocles with honor.

Creon will give him a lawful burial,

with all the proper rites.*

 

30           But unhappy Polyneices!

Creon has made a proclamation*

to all the people of Thebes!

He will not bury Polyneices.

Our brother will lie unburied*.

 

The birds, the wild dogs

will eat his body!

Creon has made this law:

if anyone buries the body,

Creon will kill him!

40           He will be stoned to death!

 

Ismene:

 

Oh, sister!  What terrible shame!

 

Antigone:

 

Come, then.  Will you share the work with me?

 

Ismene:

 

Work?  What work?

 

Antigone:

 

Take my hand.  Will you come with  me?

Will you bury him with me?

 

Ismene:

 

What?  It is forbidden!

 

Antigone:

 

He is my brother.  He is your brother, too.

I will not leave him for the dogs and birds.

The gods will not allow that.

 

 

 

Ismene:

 

50           But Creon will kill us.

 

Antigone:

 

Creon will not stop me!

I will bury my brother.

 

Ismene:

 

Oh Gods!  Sister, do you remember?

Our father put out his own eyes, with his own hands!

Our mother killed herself!

She hanged herself in shame,

because she married her own son!

Our brothers killed each other – on the same day.

Now only we are left, alone!

 

60           Our lives are miserable.

And we are only women.  Men rule over us.

They are strong, and we cannot fight them.

Our lives are already so unhappy.

The dead will forgive me.

I will obey Creon’s law.

 (She cries)

I am frightened, and I am weak!

 

Antigone:

 

Ismene, you have chosen your path.

Now I will choose mine. 

I will bury Polyneices.  It will be good.

70           I will lie by his side when I am dead.

He loved me, and I shall love him, in death.

 

I will be a criminal,

but I will honor my family.

This city will crumble* one day,

and its laws will disappear.

 

But the dead will lie forever*,

and the gods will honor the dead.

So I will honor the laws of the gods,

and lie with the dead!

 

Ismene:

 

80           Oh, Antigone!  I am too weak.

I will not break the law of the city.

I fear death and dishonor. I can’t do it.

I am only a girl. I am sorry.

 

Antigone:

 

I will go alone.

I will pile earth on the grave of my loved brother.

 

Ismene:

 

But you will be killed if they see you!

 

Antigone:

 

Do not fear for me.

Only for yourself.

 

Ismene:

 

Please, at least bury him in secret.

90           Do not speak of it.

I will be silent, too.

 

Antigone:

 

Oh, oh no!  Shout it out!

Tell everyone of my deed!

If you do not proclaim my deed,

I will hate you.

 

Ismene:

 

You have a warm heart,

but my blood runs cold.

 

Antigone:

 

I am pleasing the gods.

I am pleasing my family.

100             You only please yourself and Creon.

 

 

 

Ismene:

 

You are too bold.

 

Antigone:

 

Bold?  I will not lose my honor.

I will not dishonor my family.

I will die a noble death.

 

Ismene:

 

You are wrong,

but I love you, my sister.

 

(They go into the palace.  The Chorus enters, marching, from the sides.)

 

Chorus:

 

The sun was bright on Thebes that day,

the day of doom*!

The day of death!

110             The earth cried out

and the brothers fell together.

 

Polyneices, the attacker*

and Eteocles, the defender!

Sons of the same mother

sons of the same father!

 

The sun was bright on Thebes that day,

the day of death!

the day of shame!

 

Seven gates of the city:

120             seven captains attacked.

And the two brothers

set their spears against each other

the earth rose and met them

as they fell

 

The sun was bright on the dead men

Zeus* looked down on them,

Ares*, god of war, fought for them both.

 

Alas!  Both brothers are dead!

Sons of the same mother

130             sons of the same father,

each has killed his brother.

 

Now victory comes to Thebes,

victory and sorrow*,

joy and death.

The brothers are dead, but

the city will live.

 

The sun is bright on Thebes

and on the new king:

Creon, son of Menoeceus!

140             He is our new ruler!

He has called us here,

and we come to meet him.

What will he say?

What is his plan?

 

 

 

Vocabulary for part one:

 

Ares-god of war in ancient Greece

attacker-person using force

crumble-to break apart into pieces

doom-destruction, death

dishonor-loss of respect

forever-for all future time

palace-the home of the king

proclamation-an official, public statement about something important

(proclaim- to make a proclamation)

rites-final prayers for someone who is dead

sorrow-feeling of great sadness

spears-weapon: a pole with a sharp pointed blade at the end

Thebes-the city of Oedipus

unburied-not put in a grave

Zeus-king of the gods in ancient Greece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scene Two:  The Law Maker

 

(Creon enters from the palace)

 

Creon:

 

My friends, our city is like a ship:

the winds have shaken her,

the waves almost broke her,

but the gods have brought her to safety.

 

I know you men.

150             You are loyal to Thebes.

When Laius was king,

when Oedipus was king,

when the two brothers fought –

you remained loyal.

 

And I, too, love my city.

I love her, and will rule her wisely now,

with skill and knowledge.

I will protect her from the rocks

from the rough shores.

160             I will never love a friend

more than my city.

I will never put anything or anyone

above Thebes.

Nothing is more important than our city

and her laws.

 

An enemy of my country

is always my enemy.

Our city gives us security* and protection.

If our city falls, we will fall.

 

170             So I now proclaim to you

what will happen to the sons

of Oedipus:

 

Eteocles defended the city.

He died, fighting for the city.

He will be buried in a hero’s* grave!

He will have honor,

and all the rites of burial.

 

But Polyneices – he attacked the city!

His own city!  His own gods!

180             We will not honor this man.

No one will bury him.

We will leave him,

and you will watch him:

the dogs will eat his flesh.

Birds will eat his corpse!*

This wicked man will have no honor!

He did not honor his city,

and the city will not honor him.

That is my decree.*

 

Chorus:

 

190             Lord Creon, you

are the law maker.

The city is in your power.

 

Creon:

 

I have set guards over the body.

 

Chorus:

 

What is your command for us?

 

Creon:

 

Obey the law.

Be loyal to our city.

 

Chorus:

 

Yes, my lord.

 

(They bow.  A sentry* rushes in, out of breath.)

 

Sentry:

 

Oh, my lord king!

I have news…bad news for you.

 

Creon:

 

200             What?  Speak up!

 

Sentry:

 

I can’t say it.

I am too frightened.

 

Creon:

 

Why?  What is the matter?

 

Sentry:

 

I didn’t do it!  I swear!

I didn’t see anyone!

 

Creon:

 

What bad news is this?

Speak up, man!

 

 

Sentry:

 

Don’t punish me.

I am only a messenger.

 

Creon:

 

210             For god’s sake!

Tell me the news!

Then go!

 

Sentry:

 

Yes, I will tell you:

someone…er…just now…

has buried the corpse.

He put dirt onto the dead man.

He performed the ritual.*

 

Creon:

 

What!?  Who has done this?

 

Sentry:

 

I do not know, I swear!

220             There was no sign, no trace,* nothing.

We searched for the man,

but we found nothing.

The corpse was buried.  We argued.

We shouted.  I did not want to come.

I was frightened.

We were all frightened.

But someone had done it.

 

Chorus:

 

My lord, I wonder:

did the gods bury the dead man?

230             Out of respect?

The guards saw no one.

 

Creon:

 

Stop!  You foolish old men!

You know nothing!

The gods do not love this man!

He attacked their temples.

Gods do not respect criminals!*  No!

Men have done this. 

 

Listen to me:

you will find these men!

Find the criminals!

240             Find them, and bring them to me,

or you will pay.

 

I have enemies in the city.

Some men hate me—

they will not bow to me.

These men hired others,

and they used money!

Money will buy anything!

If you do not find these men,

you will hang – all of you!

 

Sentry:

 

250             My lord? 

 

 

 

Creon:

 

What?  Why do you remain here?

 

Sentry:

 

Why do you shout at me?

I did not bury him.

I only brought the news to you.

 

Creon:

 

Go now!

 

Sentry:

 

One thing is certain:

you will never see my face again here.

 

(Creon returns to the palace.  The sentry exits.)

 

Chorus:

 

Many wonders* are on the earth.

The earth is full of wonders,

260             but nothing is more wonderful than man.

 

He crosses the sea in a storm

with strong ships.

He plows* the earth and plants crops.

He hunts wild birds and animals for food.

 

Many wonders are on the earth.

The earth is full of wonders,

but man is the most wonderful.

 

He catches the fish of the sea

with his strong nets.

270             He tames the horses and cattle

and they work for him.

The wild dogs are his servants.

 

Many wonders are on the earth.

The earth is full of wonders,

but nothing is more wonderful than man.

 

He builds houses and cities

when the winter is cold.

His roof protects him from the rain and snow.

Man is cunning* and clever.

280             He cures sickness.

Only for death he has found no cure.

 

Many wonders are on the earth.

The earth is full of wonders,

but man is the most wonderful.

 

Man is sometimes evil,

and sometimes good.

If a man honors the laws of the earth

if he brings justice and not ruin,

if he honors both gods and other men

290      his city will indeed be great!

 

Yes, nothing is more wonderful than man!

Nothing more wonderful! Than man!

 

 

 

 

 

Vocabulary for Scene Two

 

corpse – dead body

criminal – someone who breaks the law

cunning – having the ability to achieve what you want through being smart

decree – an official command or decision made by a ruler

hero – someone who is admired for doing something that is brave

plows – to use a plow (a large piece of equipment) to cut the earth and get                          it ready for planting crops

ritual – a religious ceremony

trace – a small sign that shows someone was present

security - safety

sentry – a guard, in this case watching the body

wonders – something very beautiful and amazing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scene Three: The Law Breaker

                                   

The Sentry enters, leading Antigone.

 

Chorus:

 

But who comes here?

I know this girl.

Her father was unhappy Oedipus

and now, his children suffer.

 

Child, did you disobey

the king’s command?

Did you bury your brother?

 

Sentry:

 

300         She did it.  She is the one.

We saw her!  We caught her in the act!

Where is Creon?

 

Chorus:

 

Here he comes, from the palace.

 

Creon enters.

 

Creon:

 

What is this?  What has happened?

 

Sentry:

 

My lord, I have returned.

This time, I am not afraid of you.

Now I feel great joy.

Here is your criminal!

 

(pushes Antigone forward)

 

We caught her in the act.

310         She was burying the dead man.

Now take her, my lord, and judge her.

I am a free man.

 

 

Creon:

 

This girl: how did you take her?

Tell me your story.

 

Sentry:

 

She was burying her brother.

We saw her.  End of story.

 

Creon:

 

Can you be serious?

How can this be true?

 

Sentry:

 

How can I speak more clearly?

320         She was putting earth on the dead man.

She is the one.

 

Creon:

 

But how did you catch her?

 

Sentry:

 

Well, it was at noon.

We returned to the body.

We feared your anger, so

we brushed the dirt off

and left it, naked.*

It was rotting.

We sat away from it,

330         because of the smell.

We stayed awake, watching the body.

 

Suddenly, a dust storm blew in.

We closed our eyes, against the dust flying.

When it was over, we opened our eyes.

And then – we saw her!

 

She was crying out, weeping*

like a bird with an empty nest

after the fox* steals her eggs.

She was screaming, and cursing us,

340         cursing the men who left her brother unburied.

 

Then, quickly,

she covered the body with dust again.

She had an urn,*

and she poured out oil and wine.

She spoke the words of the ritual* –

three times she poured the libation.*

When we saw that, we rushed down!

We caught her.  She did not run.

She did not lie.  She was proud.

350         So I brought her here, to you.

 

Creon:

 

You, girl, looking down at the ground!

Is this story true?

 

Antigone:

 

Yes.  I do not deny it.

 

Creon:

 

(To sentry) You, go now.  You are free.

 

(To Antigone) And did you know the law?

 

Antigone:

 

Yes, I knew the law. 

Everyone heard your proclamation.

 

Creon:

 

And you disobeyed?

You dared to break the law?

 

Antigone:

 

360         Yes!  Because it is your law.

It is not the law of the gods.

Zeus did not make this law!

Justice does not live in this law!

 

 

You are only a man,

and I do not fear you.

But I fear the gods, and I obey their laws.

The gods do not write down their laws,

but everyone knows them.

The gods do not speak their laws aloud,

370         but everyone hears them,

in their hearts.

Their laws never change.

They are the same yesterday, today,

and for all times and all places.

You are powerful,

and you may punish me

because I broke your law.

But the gods will not punish me –

because I do not break their laws!

 

380         I will die some day –

and if I die tomorrow, I do not care.

My life has been unhappy,

full of misery.*

I will be happy when I die.

But if I leave my dear brother

alone, unburied,

I will know true misery.

 

I am not afraid of you.

You say I am a fool,

390         but you are a fool yourself.

 

Chorus:

 

The poor girl is like her father.

She is stubborn,* like him.

 

Creon:

 

She is very proud,

but she will break in the end.

Even a wild horse will break

if the rider is strong.

And I am very strong.

 

First, she broke the law –

then, worse, she boasted of her crime!

400         She insults me, and she ignores* my law.

If she can win this game,

then I am the girl and she is the king!

Never!  She is my niece,

my sister’s child,

but I am the law

and I will uphold* the law!

 

And her sister, Ismene —

she plotted against me too!

I know it.

410         I was inside the palace just now,

and I saw her.

She was crying,

talking to herself like a crazy* woman.

She knew about this, and she hid the crime!

But Antigone hides nothing.

She is proud.  She disgusts me.

 

Antigone:

 

Why do you wait?

Why don’t you kill me right now?

 

Creon:

 

I do want you dead, it is true.

 

Antigone:

 

420         Then why do you wait?

I do not care about your words.

I have buried my brother.

I have the greatest honor.

 

Look at these men of Thebes.

They agree with me,

but they fear you, so they don’t speak up.

But they know I am right.

 

Creon:

 

No one agrees with you.

 

 

 

 

Antigone:

 

They do!

430         But they shut their mouths while you are here!

 

Creon:

 

That is a lie!

All the people disagree with you.

Aren’t you ashamed?

 

Antigone:

 

I feel no shame.

I love my brother, and I honored him.

 

Creon:

 

And Eteocles? 

Wasn’t he your brother, too?

 

Antigone:

 

I loved them both.

 

Creon:

 

But you insult Eteocles,

440         when you honor Polyneices.

 

Antigone:

 

My brothers respected each other.

They died together.

Eteocles was our brother, not an animal.

 

Creon:

 

He attacked his country!

 

Antigone:

 

That is not important.

Dead men, too, have rights.

We have a duty to them.

That is the law of the gods.

Creon:

 

So good and bad are the same?

450         Attacking and defending get the same reward?

Where is justice?

 

Antigone:

 

In the land of death

justice is different.

 

Creon:

 

My enemy is my enemy,

dead or alive.

 

Antigone:

 

No!  I do not hate anyone.

I love all my family.

 

Creon:

 

Love your family?  Good!

Go to the land of the dead

460         and love them there!

While I live, no girl will rule me!

 

Chorus:

 

Here comes Ismene

weeping for her sister and brothers.

Her face is red with sorrow and shame.

 

(Ismene comes before Creon.)

 

Creon:

 

And you! Snake!

Hiding in my house!

Plotting against my throne!

Do you confess your crime, too?

 

Ismene:

 

Yes, I confess.  If Antigone will let me,

470         I am guilty, too.

I admit it!

 

Antigone:

 

No!  That is not justice!

when I asked for help, you said no.

So I acted alone.

 

Ismene:

 

But now you are in danger –

and I will stand with you.

 

Antigone:

 

I alone buried our brother.

Your words are empty without actions.

 

Ismene:

 

Please, my sister.  Let me act now.

480         Let me die with you.

 

Antigone:

 

You did not bury him with me.

Why should you die with me?

 

Ismene:

 

I cannot live without you!

 

Antigone:

 

Creon will protect you.

You obeyed him.  Now you can stay with him.

 

Ismene:

 

Sister, why do you laugh at me?

(She begins to cry.)

 

 

 

 

Antigone:

 

I am sorry.  I do love you.

But I will die alone.

Save yourself, Ismene.

 

Ismene:

 

490         Antigone, please!

Let me share death with you!

 

Antigone:

 

No, I won’t. 

You will live, and I will die.

I will serve the dead,

and you will serve the living.

 

Creon:

 

Look at those two girls!

They are both insane.*

 

Ismene:

 

If she is insane, it is because of you!

You are her uncle, her only family!

500         And you plan to kill her!

 

Creon:

 

Do not speak of her.

She is dead already.

 

Ismene:

 

But your son plans to marry her!

 

Creon:

 

He will find another woman.

 

Ismene:

 

Haemon and Antigone love each other!

 

Creon:

 

He can’t love a criminal.

 

Ismene:

 

Haemon, your father insults you!

 

Creon:

 

Let him hear!

While I am alive, no woman will rule!

 

Chorus:

 

510         Lord Creon, you insult your own son.

Haemon loves Antigone.

They are engaged* to be married.

 

Creon:

 

All lovers die in the end.

Her death will just come sooner.

You heard the order.

You agreed with it.

Take them away!  Lock them up!

They are women,

and they must understand their place.

 

(The guards drag Antigone and Ismene away. Creon exits into the palace.)

 

Chorus:

 

520         If a man lives his life without sorrow

he is very lucky!

But this one family is most unlucky.

Grandfather, grandmother,

father, mother

sons and daughters:

each generation* must swallow

this bitter poison.

This family is cursed.

The gods hate them!

 

530         Your power, O Zeus, is great!

The gods never sleep.

The gods do not grow old.

They live on bright Olympos.*

Their power is great!

 

The house of Thebes

the house of Oedipus

the house of Laius

the house of Labdacus:*

the family feels only shame and disgrace.*

540         Son and daughter feel misery.

The cold hands of the dead

reach for the living!

Another generation* sheds* its blood.

The sin of Oedipus –

its punishment will never end.

 

Your power, O Zeus, is great!

The gods never sleep.

The gods do not grow old.

They live on bright Olympos.

550         Their power is great!

 

Zeus is most powerful!

No man can match him.

Zeus never sleeps, but man must sleep.

The gods never grow old, as man grows old.

Zeus is master of Olympos

and he holds all the world

in his mighty* hand.

He holds the past, present, and future.

If a man climbs too high

560         on the slopes of Mount Olympos

or in his own life –

the gods strike him down!

 

Your power, O Zeus, is great!

The gods never sleep.

The gods do not grow old.

They live on bright Olympos.

Their power is great!

 

When a man commits a crime

against the gods –

570         he is too proud.

He climbs too high

and he will fall.

The gods make their eternal laws!

 

Your power, O Zeus, is great!

The gods never sleep.

The gods do not grow old.

They live on bright Olympos.

Their power is great!

 

 

 

Vocabulary for Scene Three:

 

crazy – a person who is very strange or not sensible, mentally ill

disgrace – in a very bad condition, loss of respect

engaged – planning to get married

eternal – continuing forever, having no end

fox – a wild animal like a dog, with reddish brown fur

generation – all the members of a family who are about the same age

ignores – pays no attention to

insane – having a sick mind, mentally ill

Labdacus – the father of Laius, grandfather of Oedipus

libation – a ritual drink of wine poured onto the earth, for the gods or the                           dead people below

mighty – very strong and powerful

misery – great sadness

naked – having no clothing

Olympus – a high mountain in Greece, home of the gods

ritual – a religious ceremony

sheds -  takes off

stubborn – determined not to change your mind, even when people think                            you are being unreasonable

uphold – hold up, maintain

urn – decorated container used in a ritual

weeping –  crying loudly

 

 

 

Scene Four:  The Son

 

Chorus:

 

Here comes Haemon,

580         Creon’s youngest son.

He is sad for his bride!*

Will he beg his father to spare her?

Will he beg for mercy?

 

 

Creon:

 

Soon we will know.

Haemon, my dear son.

Have you heard the news?

The punishment of your bride?

Are you angry?  I hope not.

You must understand my decision,

590         and know this:

you have my love, now and always.

 

Haemon:

 

Father, I am your son

and I know you are wise.

No marriage is more important

than my love and respect for you.

 

Creon:

 

My son, you are also wise.

Always be loyal to your father.

All fathers want good, loyal sons.

A good son will protect his father

600         from all enemies.

 

Do not let a girl trap you!

Women use their beauty –

but you must not marry an evil woman.

When an evil woman shares your bed,

love grows cold, quickly.

Then there is only anger and hatred.

No!  Spit on her!  Throw her out!

She is beautiful,

but she is an enemy – your enemy,

610         and an enemy of the city.

 

They caught her –

committing* a crime against the state,

breaking my law!

If I do not punish her,

then I betray* my city.

No, I will never betray Thebes!

I will kill this girl!

 

She cries out to Zeus,

she calls to the god of kinship.*

620         Family!  I am the ruler of this family,

and if I rule badly,

if I allow this niece to rebel,

how can I rule my city?

 

I must govern my family

and my city, in the same way.

And the people must obey the ruler!

People must obey all laws –

large or small, just or unjust.

A man must obey the laws of the city.

630         We must stand with our country,

right or wrong. 

We must be loyal in both war and peace.

 

If not – what then?

Disobedience!*  Disorder!*  Disaster!*

Cities destroyed, homes ruined,

battles lost.  Good people killed.

The state gives us safety.  Order.

I will stand by the city.

No woman will defeat me.

 

Chorus:

 

640         Creon, you speak wisely.

 

Haemon:

 

Father, your mind is clear.

I can’t disagree with you.

I am too young.  I am not wise.

But father, some men think differently,

and I hear them.  And because I am your son,

I need to tell you what they are saying.

 

I hear men whispering, secretly:

they feel sorry for this girl.

They say – she should not die

650         this cruel death!

They say – her deed was noble,

full of honor,

because she honored her brother.

They say – a dead man should not lie naked

on the ground,

food for dogs and birds!

They say – you should reward Antigone,

not punish her!

Father, that is what people are saying.

 

660         Father, I am your son –

your glory, your honor

is mine.

But father, I beg you:

think again!

Do not be so sure of your own beliefs.

Listen to other people’s opinions, too.

That is a sign of strength, not weakness.

A tree that bends in a strong wind

will not break.

670         Other trees, rigid,* unbending,*

will snap in a storm.

Father, you ought to think twice.

Learn to listen – just a little.

 

Chorus:

 

My lord, Haemon has spoken wisely.

You spoke wisely, too.

There is much wisdom

in both father and son.

 

Creon:

 

So I should learn wisdom,

and take lessons, from a boy?

 

Haemon:

 

680         Yes, if a boy speaks the truth.

But father, I am a man.

And my words are just.

 

Creon:

 

Just, are they?

So breaking the law is just?

 

 

Haemon:

 

She has done nothing wrong.

 

Creon:

 

She is full of evil!

She is shameful, like her father!

 

Haemon:

 

Listen to the people of Thebes.

They say she is good and noble.

 

Creon:

 

690         So now the people rule the king?

 

Haemon:

 

Now you speak like a boy.

 

Creon:

 

I speak like a king:

the king of Thebes.

 

Haemon:

 

Thebes does not belong to you alone.

 

Creon:

 

The city belongs to its ruler.

 

Haemon:

 

Go and rule in a desert, then!

No one will disagree with you there!

 

Creon:

 

This boy is on the woman’s side!

 

 

 

Haemon:

 

I am on your side, father.

700         I am fighting for you.

 

Creon:

 

You devil!  Your words are against me!

Your heart is against your father!

 

Haemon:

 

When I know you are wrong,

I have to speak.

 

Creon:

 

How am I wrong?

To respect the law of the state?

Is that wrong?

 

Haemon:

 

You have no respect for the law of the gods.

 

Creon:

 

You argue for the girl!

 

Haemon:

 

710         Yes, for her --- and for you.

for me, for the living and the dead,

and for the gods.

 

Creon:

 

You will never marry her.

She will die before your wedding* day.

 

Haemon:

 

If she dies, she will not die alone.

I will not live without her!

 

 

Creon:

 

Are you threatening me?

How dare you…

 

Haemon:

 

That is not a threat.

720         Your law was wrong from the beginning.

 

Creon:

 

Wrong!  Ye gods!

You will regret this.

 

Haemon:

 

You talk like an insane man.

 

Creon:

 

You woman’s slave!

 

Haemon:

 

You talk and talk, but never listen.

 

Creon:

 

Is that so?

Well, now I will act!

Bring her out --- the bitch!*

She will die here and now

730         while her man watches the execution!*

 

Haemon:

 

No, never! I will not see that!

And father, you will never again see my face!

 

(Haemon rushes out)

 

Chorus:

 

Lord Creon, he is angry,

and he has run away like the wind.

 

Creon:

 

Let him go.

He will not save the girls from death,

with all of his talk.

 

Chorus:

 

The girls? Both of them?

You really will kill them both?

 

Creon:

 

740         No – You are right.

Antigone alone will die.

 

Chorus:

 

How will you kill her?

 

Chorus:

 

Take her to a lonely place,

far from the city.

Find a cave.  Build a wall in front

and bury her alive.

Leave a little food

so the city will not be guilty of her death.

She can pray to the god of death there.

Maybe Hades will save her.

750         Or she will learn that worshipping the dead

is not good for the living.

 

(Creon exits into the palace)

 

Chorus:

 

The god of love sits beside the god of war!

Her power is mighty!*

Love shares the throne with Zeus.

His lightning* strikes the earth,

but her lightning strikes the heart.

 

No man or woman can escape love.

When a girl becomes a woman,

love’s traps are set.

760         No man can escape love’s net!

Even gods go mad with love!

 

The god of love sits beside the god of war!

Her power is mighty!

Love shares the throne with Zeus.

His lightning strikes the earth,

but her lightning strikes the heart.

 

When love strikes,

men and woman lose their minds.

They become fools and commit crimes!

770         Families are divided in anger:

father and son,

mother and daughter,

their minds burn.

 

The god of love sits beside the god of war!

Her power is mighty!

Love shares the throne with Zeus.

His lightning strikes the earth,

but her lightning strikes the heart.

 

The power of love is frightening.

780         Aphrodite shares the throne

with the king of the gods!

Love’s heat burns,

no one can put it out!

Her lightning strikes the heart!

 

The god of love sits beside the god of war!

Her power is mighty!

Love shares the throne with Zeus.

His lightning strikes the earth,

but her lightning strikes the heart.

 

 

Vocabulary for Scene Five

 

Aphrodite – Greek goddess of love

betray – to be disloyal to someone who trusts you

bitch – offensive word for a woman you dislike

bride – the woman he will marry

committing (a crime) – to do something wrong or illegal

disaster – a complete failure, a terrible event that causes harm

disobedience – deliberately not doing what you are told

disorder – a situation in which many people disobey the law

execution – killing someone as punishment for a crime

Hades – the Greek god of death and the underworld

kinship – family relationships

lightning – powerful flash of light in the sky, with thunder

mighty – strong and powerful

naked – without clothing

rebel – someone who fights against authority

rigid – stiff, not moving

sorrow – great sadness

unbending – not bending or changing

wedding -  a ceremony or ritual when people get married

 

 

 

Scene Five: The Burial

 

(Antigone enters.  She is wearing a plain white dress.)

 

Chorus:

 

790         But why talk of love?

Why talk of justice?

I see Antigone coming,

and I start to weep.

She comes, like a young bride.

But she will marry only the dead

and lie with them, forever.

 

Antigone:

 

I have lived in Thebes all my life.

I have felt the warmth of the sun on my face.

Now I look at my city for the last time.

800         Now I say goodbye to my city

and to you.

I will have no wedding.

My bridegroom is the lord of death.

Death comes to all people,

and we must all cross the silent river.

 

Chorus:

 

Yes, but you will go with honor.

In every street, people whisper, “Antigone.”

In death, you have glory.

You are still beautiful.

810         No sickness has harmed you.

No sword has hurt you.

You go to the safety of the grave

alive, alone, and free.

 

Antigone:

 

I am the victim* of an unjust law.

I leave you forever.

I am going to my last home.

In the tomb,* buried alive,

I will wait for darkness.

 

Chorus:

 

You fought against the law of the city

820         and you fell, my child.

You carry your father’s crimes

on your back.

Maybe this is your punishment.

 

Antigone:

 

I remember my father –

his sorrow is now my sorrow.

My family has known only pain –

the son finding the mother’s bed.

And I – I am the fruit

of that terrible crime!

830         My mother killed herself.

My father struck out his eyes.

There is no pity for me,

and no marriage.

I will meet my father and mother soon,

in the house of the dead.

And there, maybe the sorrow will finally* end.

 

Chorus:

 

You honored the dead:

a noble act, an act of love.

The gods will reward you,

840         but the state must punish you.

We must obey the law of the state.

Your anger and disobedience*

have destroyed you.

 

Antigone:

 

Do not cry for me.

I know my path,

to the dark land of death.

I will go alone – silent –

to my stone tomb.

 

(Creon enters with the guards)

 

Creon:

 

All this weeping will not stop your death!

850         I have had enough of your crying.

Take her away -- lock her up.

Pile stones across the door of the cave.

She can live or die there –

she can choose!

The state will not be guilty of her death,

but she does not belong

in the land of the living.

 

Antigone:

 

My grave, my bridal* bed,

my prison, my tomb under the mountain:

860         I will meet my family there.

We will be the guests of queen Persephone.*

I am the last, the youngest,

the saddest.  I am dying so young.

 

But when I come to that land,

my father will be there,

my mother will smile at me

and my beloved* brother –

he will be the happiest of all.

When they died, I buried them,

870         I spread the earth on their graves

my hands poured the water.

 

And Polyneices: now I will die

because I honored you.

I buried my brother!

Not my husband, for I have no husband.

Not my child, for I have no children.

If my husband dies, I can marry again.

If my child dies, I can have more children.

But my parents are dead.

880         They will have no more children.

I will never have another brother

so I had to bury Polyneices.

 

Creon will kill me –

shut me away in a cave

a living death

alone in the dark.

I will die there, alone.

I will never have a husband

or children to love.

 

890         What law have I broken?

Who can help me now?

No one, not even the gods.

Because I honored my brother,

I am dishonored.*

If I am wrong, I will know soon.

But if I am right,

Creon will suffer a worse punishment!

 

Chorus:

 

She is still the same Antigone –

full of anger, even now.

 

Creon:

 

900         Guards, hurry now!

I am tired of her words.

Take her away!

 

Antigone:

 

Your words –

they speak my death.

 

Creon:

 

Yes.  There is no hope for you now.

 

Antigone:

 

My time is finished!

Look on me, princes of Thebes.

I am the last of my family.

See how I suffer,

910         I, the daughter of a king!

Because of justice,

they treat me unjustly.

 

(The guards lead Antigone away.)

 

Chorus:

 

When reason sleeps, a new light dawns.*

The power of the gods is great.

In cities, in caves, in palaces

no man or woman can escape.

The power of the gods is great.

The gods choose man’s fate!

 

Others have suffered like Antigone.

920         Danae* was shut away forever

in a stone tower, a prison.

But this prison became

her wedding chamber.

Zeus came down in a golden shower

and gave her a son.

 

The power of the state,

the army of the king,

the strong tower –

nothing could keep the god out.

 

930         When reason* sleeps, a new light dawns.

The power of the gods is great.

In cities, in caves, in palaces

no man or woman can escape.

The power of the gods is great.

The gods choose man’s fate!

 

King Lycurgus* angered the god Dionysus.*

The god punished him –

drove him mad!

The king was shut away

940         in a rocky cavern,*

alone, with his madness.

 

 

That king learned the terrible pain

of the god of ecstasy.*

His strong palace,

the power of reason,

the wisdom of the king –

He could not stop

the dance of the Maenads*

driving him to madness.

 

When reason sleeps, a new light dawns.

950         The power of the gods is great.

In cities, in caves, in palaces

no man or woman can escape.

The power of the gods is great.

The gods choose man’s fate!

 

In the land of Thrace,*

the wife of Phineus*

blinded her own children.

Their mother was cursed,

and she used the shuttle*

960         from her weaving loom*

to stab* out their eyes!

 

She was the granddaughter of a god.

She rode wild horses when she was a girl.

But she could not stop fate.

The power of the gods

was too great for her

or her unhappy children.

 

When reason sleeps, a new light dawns.

The power of the gods is great.

970         In cities, in caves, in palaces

no man or woman can escape fate.

The power of the gods is great.

The gods choose man’s fate!

 

 

beloved – the person that you love most

bridal – relating to a wedding or a woman getting married

cavern – a large underground cave

Danae – a woman who had Zeus’ child after he came to her in the form of                         a golden shower.

dawns – begins to shine

Dionysus – Greek god of wine, theater, and insanity

dishonored – lost respect from other people

disobedience – deliberately not doing what you are told to do

ecstasy – feeling extremely happy, being taken out of yourself

finally – after a long time

loom – a frame or machine where thread is woven into cloth

Lycurgus – a king who went insane after he laughed at Dionysus

Maenads – wild women followers of Dionysus

Persephone – queen of the underworld, wife of Hades

reason – in this case, reason is a noun meaning logic or rationality

Phineus – an ancient king of Thrace

shuttle – a pointed tool used in weaving

stab – to push a pointed object into something

Thrace -  a country north of Greece

tomb – a grave

victim – someone who is attacked, robbed, or murdered

 

 

 

Scene Six:  The Warning

 

(Teiresias enters, led by a boy.  He looks the same as he did in Oedipus.)

 

Teiresias:

 

Men of Thebes – we have come here together.

My boy leads me,

and I use his eyes to see the way.

 

Creon:

 

Teiresias!  What news do you have,

my old friend?

 

Teiresias:

 

I have very important news,

980         and advice for you.

 

Creon:

 

I have always listened to your wise advice.

 

Teiresias:

 

Yes, have you have guided your ship,

the city of Thebes, wisely.

 

 

Creon:

 

You have helped us all,

many times.

 

Teiresias:

 

Then for god’s sake,

listen to me now!

You are like a man

on the edge of a razor,

990         ready to fall and cut himself.

 

Creon:

 

What?  Tell me what you mean.

 

Teiresias:

 

Yes, I will tell you

everything I have learned from my ancient art.

I sat alone

in the place I go to hear the birds –

they sing to me,

and I understand them.

But yesterday, I heard a terrible sound.

The birds were screaming,*

1000       crying out with such hatred ---

I could not understand their shrieks.*

They were beating their wings,

fighting with each other—

they were in terrible pain!

I knew something was wrong,

but what?

 

I went to my altar

to make a sacrifice,

to light the sacred fire,

1010       but the fire would not burn!

And from the flesh

a stinking* liquid ran out.

The sacrifice was spoiled,

the bone was bare. 

My boy saw it, and told me.

He sees for me, as I see for you.

 

Finally, I understood.

The gods are disgusted.

The flesh and blood of Polyneices

1020       stains the sacred altars.

The dogs and birds vomit* him up.

the gods will not accept our sacrifices.

The birds sing of horrors,*

the blood and rotting flesh of a dead man!

 

My son, listen to me.

All men make mistakes.

But if a man can see his mistake –

admit his wrong – he is wise.

Creon, it is not too late for wisdom.

1030       Let go of your stubborn pride.

Do not be a fool.

Polyneices is dead.

You can only kill a man once.

Do not kill him again with this insult.

What honor is there

when you defeat a poor helpless corpse?

Please, my son, this is good advice.

Take it.

 

Creon:

 

Oho, so that is your advice,    is it, old man?

1040       I am a target, and you shoot at me!

Well, I know you fortune tellers.

I know your love of money!

Someone paid you to say this.

Who was it?

 

No?  You won’t answer?

Well, then, let me ask you this, you old fool:

Can a man pollute* the gods?

Ha!  You still don’t answer.

 

Listen to this, you false prophet:

1050       If the eagles* of Zeus come,

and bring his flesh to high Olympos,

still, I will not bury him!

So take your gold,

and your false words,

and leave me alone!

 

Teiresias:

 

Wisdom, and good advice –

they are more precious than gold.

 

Creon:

 

And bad advice is worthless!

It leads to stupidity!

 

Teiresias:

 

1060       You describe yourself well.

 

Creon:

 

I will not trade insults with you.

 

Teiresias:

 

Yet you insult me.

You say my prophecies are lies.

 

Creon:

 

All fortune tellers are greedy for money.

 

Teiresias:

 

My good advice helped you.

You saved the city,

with my help and advice.

 

Creon:

 

I know.  But I don’t trust you now.

 

Teiresias:

 

Don’t trust me?

1070       I should tell you everything I know, then.

 

Creon:

 

Say anything!

Just speak the truth honestly,

not for money!

 

Teiresias:

 

Do you really think I care about money?

Listen to me:

very soon now,

you will make a greater payment:

your own child –

a corpse in exchange for a corpse.

 

1080       You have buried a woman alive,

a woman who should walk the earth.

And you have left a man above the earth,

a man that should have a decent* burial.

 

Do you understand?

You insult the gods of the earth below.

You are not the judge of the dead.

You have no power over the gods.

Even the gods do not question

their own laws.

 

1090       And now – the Furies* are coming,

the spirits of revenge,

from the underworld –

and the suffering you cause,

the violence you create*…

will return to you!

 

Was I paid to say this?

Soon your house will be filled

with weeping, and cries of women.

Other cities will hate you!

1100       Dogs will run through the streets,

dropping pieces of the dead.

People will smell the pollution,

and they will tear you to pieces!

 

Take me home now, boy.

I will leave him to his anger,

or to learn wisdom.

I don’t care which one.

 

(Teiresias exits with the boy)

 

Chorus:

 

My lord, he is gone.

That was a terrible prophecy!

1110       And he is never wrong.

 

Creon:

 

I know, I know.

What can I do?

I am so confused—

How can I give in?

But if I don’t,

what doom will come?

 

Chorus:

 

Lord Creon,

you need good advice now.

 

Creon:

 

What must I do?

1120       I will listen to you.

 

Chorus:

 

Go—bring the girl from the cave,

and bury the dead man.

Give him a proper burial.

 

Creon:

 

That is your advice?

Total surrender?*

Complete defeat?

 

Chorus:

 

Yes, and quickly.

Before the punishment comes from the gods.

 

Creon:

 

How can I do it?

1130       But…I cannot fight any more.

 

Chorus:

 

Then go now, and do it yourself,

with your own hands.

 

Creon:

 

I will go.

Come, all of you!

Bring picks, shovels, axes!*

I will free her myself,

tear down the bricks.

 

Maybe it is wise to obey the old laws.

I must listen to the voice of my heart,

1140       the voice of my fear.

 

(Creon runs out with servants)

 

Chorus:

 

Dionysus!  Bacchus!*

You have many names

and many faces!

You watch over Italy

you rule the mysteries of Eleusis*

and you were born here,

in Thebes!

 

Dionysus!  Bacchus!

Men praise you and fear you!

1150       The whole world worships you!

God of wine, of drunkenness,*

god of ecstasy!  Son of Zeus!

The Maenads dance by the river –

they sing in the woods –

they worship you, oh Dionysus!

 

Dionysus!  Bacchus!

In Thebes we honor you most of all.

Come to us now,

lord of the festival!*

1160       Join our dance!

We wait for you!

Dionysus!  Bacchus!

You mother, Semele, died here

when she saw Zeus in his glory,

his true form!

Now your city needs you!

We are afraid – come to us!

Dance with us!  Lead us in your dance!

Free us from this sickness –

1170       our city’s crime against the gods!

 

Dionysus!  Bacchus!

The stars are drunk –

they dance to your wild music.

Come to us now, with your Maenads,

your wild women.

Dance with us until we drop!

then we will know peace, and rest

and healing – God with many names,

many faces:

1180       Dionysus!  Bacchus!

God of ecstasy!

Hear us!

 

 

Vocabulary for Scene Six

 

Bacchus -  another name for Dionysus

create – to make

decent – acceptable, kind, fair

drunkenness – being drunk

eagles – a large strong bird, often shown with the god Zeus

Eleusis – a place in Greece where people worshipped Dionysus

festival – a day where religious ceremonies are celebrated

Furies – goddesses of the underworld who chase murderers

horrors – something extremely shocking and frightening

picks, shovels, axes – tools for digging

pollute – make dirty

screaming – making high, loud sounds with the voice

Semele – the mother of Dionysus.  She was human, and she died when Zeus showed himself to her in his true form.

shrieks – loud, high sounds people make

stinking – smelling very bad

surrender – to say you will stop fighting because you know you can’t win

target – something you practice shooting at

vomit – to bring food or other things out of your mouth from your stomach when you are sick

 

 

Scene Seven:  The Lesson

 

(A messenger enters)

 

Messenger:

 

Senators!*  People of Thebes!

Listen to me!

No man’s life is secure.*

Chance, fate – they rule over us all.

Who can say a man is happy?

Who can judge a life?

 

We all envied Creon.

1190       He saved his country; he won the throne.

He was rich and powerful.

He ruled well, with his son beside him.

But now…all joy is gone from his life.

He has wealth and power

but he is an empty man.

All happiness is dead for him.

 

Chorus:

 

What is this new sorrow?

 

Messenger:

 

They are dead, both of them.

 

Chorus:

 

Dead?  Who is dead?

1200       What happened?  Who killed them?

 

Messenger:

 

Haemon is dead.

A royal hand killed him.

Chorus:

 

A royal hand?  Whose?

 

Messenger:

 

Haemon’s hand held the sword,

but his father was the cause.

 

Chorus:

 

The prophet warned us!

Now his words have come true!

 

But here comes Creon’s wife, Eurydice.

Unhappy woman!  Does she know?

1210       What has she heard?

 

Eurydice:

 

I was on my way to the temple,

to pray to Athena.*

I only heard some of your words,

but I almost fainted when I heard them.

My women held me up.

Please, tell me the truth.

I am frightened, but I must hear.

 

Messenger:

 

Dear Queen, I will tell you.

I was there, and I saw it all.

1220       I am sorry, but you will hear it

sooner or later.

 

I went with your husband, the king,

to the edge of the battlefield.*

We saw the body of Polyneices

where he lay – poor man!

His body was torn by dogs and birds.

We knelt* and prayed to the gods of the dead.

We begged them for mercy,

asked them not to be angry.

1230       Then we washed the dead man

and cut branches, and burned the corpse.

Then we buried the ashes carefully.

After that, we hurried to Antigone’s cave.

But before we came to the entrance,

someone heard a terrible voice –

screaming inside the cave.

When we came close,

Creon heard it, too:

moaning* and crying

1240       with no words

only groaning* and sobbing.*

The king cried out:

“Oh, no!  My worst fear!

I hear my son’s voice in there!

Guards, quickly!  Go inside!

Look, see if my son is in there!”

 

So we went in.

Then we saw her, in the far corner.

She was hanging by a rope she made

1250       torn from her white dress.

Haemon was there,

holding her dead body,

crying out for his loss:

his bride’s death,

his father’s hatred of her.

 

When Creon saw them,

he ran into the cave.

He shouted:  “My poor son!

My boy!  What have you done?

1260       Come out!  Please come out!

I beg you!  There is only death here.

Come out from there!”

 

But Haemon only stared* at him.

His eyes were full of hatred.

He did not say a word,

but spat in his father’s face.

Then he pulled out his sword

and ran straight at Creon!

Creon moved aside quickly.

1270       And  then – poor Haemon!

In anger at himself,

he stabbed the sword into his own chest!

 

Then he went to Antigone.

Gently, he took her dead body in his arms.

They were both covered with his blood.

He kissed her one last time,

then…he died.

There they lay, the dead with the dead,

married in the tomb.

 

(Eurydice goes into the palace.  She says nothing.)

 

Chorus:

 

1280       That is strange.

The queen is gone.

She did not say a word.

 

Messenger

 

I don’t know.

Maybe she will weep* in private,

with her women.

 

Chorus:

 

I don’t like it.

She was silent.

Why didn’t she cry? Or scream?

 

Messenger:

 

I will go after her,

1290       make sure she is safe.

 

(He goes into the palace)

 

Chorus:

 

Look!  The king is coming!

But he is not alone.

He carries a silent witness

of his crimes.

He suffers now, for all his wrongs.

 

(Creon enters.  He is carrying the dead body of Haemon.)

 

 

 

 

Creon:

 

My blindness, my hatred…

Look at us, the killer and his victim.

Oh, my son!  Haemon, my son!

You were young, so young to die!

1300       It was not your fault, but mine.

I, your father, killed you.

 

Chorus:

 

You see the truth now,

but it is too late.

 

Creon:

 

Yes, I have learned.

The gods have taught me justice!

All happiness is gone.

I have learned,

through pain and sorrow.

 

(A second messenger enters)

 

Second Messenger:

 

My lord, you feel great pain.

1310       And I am sorry,

but there is still more pain,

worse suffering,

behind that door.

 

Creon:

 

My son is dead.

What can be worse than that?

 

Second Messenger:

 

Your wife, his mother—

she is dead, too.

She cut her own throat.

 

 

 

 

Creon:

 

Oh, you gods of death!

1320       Why?  Why don’t you kill me, too?

(He falls to his knees)

But I am dead already.

Is there no end to this pain?

 

Chorus:

 

You can see her for yourself.

(The doors open and we see the dead body of the queen)

 

Creon:

 

First the son, then the mother!

Both dead!

Oh, the horror!*  The horror!

 

Second Messenger:

 

She stood at the altar

and used her sharp knife.

First, she cried out for her son,

1330       then she cursed you,

as the killer of her child.

 

Creon:

 

Alas, I killed her, too!

Servants, lead me away.

Life is a misery* for me now.

I am nothing, nothing…

I can never again see the light of day!

 

Chorus:

 

Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Only the gods know the future.

 

Creon:

 

Please, I pray only for death now.

 

 

 

Chorus:

 

1340       It is too late for you to pray.

Your fate is in the gods’ hands.

 

Creon:

 

Take me away.

I killed my wife—

I killed my son.

I was blind, so blind.

Where can I go now?

Where can I look?

All wrong…all wrong…

darkness, hide me.

1350       My heart is broken.

 

(Creon goes into the palace)

 

Chorus:

 

Happiness comes from wisdom.

And wisdom comes

from respect for the gods

and their laws.

The man who is too proud?

In the end, the gods will teach him,

with much suffering,

to be wise.

 

 

Vocabulary for Scene Seven

 

Athena – Greek goddess of wisdom

battlefield – a place where a battle was fought

groaning – long, deep sound of pain

horror – strong feeling of shock and terrible fear

knelt – got down on their knees

misery – great suffering and unhappiness

moaning – long, low sound expressing pain

secure -  safe, guarded

senators -  members of a governing council

sobbing – crying, weeping loudly

stared – looked for a long time, without moving his eyes

weep – cry loudly