Action in Antigone

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Action in Antigone

Before actually discussing the unfolding of the action in Antigone, we must know that this play is about the clash of two opposing ideals, and the battle of wills of two people, both of whom believe they are justified in their actions, and both of whom are strong enough to stick to their actions and face consequences. This is a play about hubris, about unbending and unyielding arrogance and ego that eventually leads to a great person's downfall.

The structure of Antigone is instrumental in the unfolding of the action. It adheres to the frame of traditional ancient Greek tragedies, however it has some variations. The characteristics of a traditional tragedy was

* Prologue

* Parodos

* First Episode

* First Choral recitation

* Second Episode

* Second Choral recitation

* Third Episode

* Third Choral recitation

* Fourth Episode

* Fourth Choral recitation

* Exodus

The prologue should have consisted of a monologue, and the parados marks the entry of the chorus, where it enters (dancing and singing) and takes its positions. However,