Antigone - Historical Context 516o58

Historical Context Anouilh’s Antigone

Overview 1. Sophocles Version a. b.

Greek Historical Context Significance at the time & to Anouilh’s Version

2. Anouilh's Version a. b. c.

Anti Fascist French Revolution Symbolism to the French Revolution Nazi opinion of Antigone

Discussion Questions Throughout

Greek Historical Context ❖

Time Period ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

❖

The play was written in Athens during the rule of Pericles Pericles was known for being in favor with the masses, and the common people. He did many things to improve Athens as well as the way of life for the people residing there. One of his acts aloud the poor the see theater for free. Thus many of people in Athens would of had access to watch Antigone During a great time of national fervor performed in 443 or 441 BC

“Antigone” & Sophocles ➢ ➢

Antigone may of led to Sophocles being appointed as one the ten generals to lead a military expedition against Samos Island. Although the play shows no real signs of propaganda, it could of made him more favorable in the public's eyes.

What significance does Sophocles version of Antigone have on Anouilh's?

Anti-Fascist French Resistance ❖ inspired by Paul Collette’s act of resistance ➢ Anouilh believed this captured the meaning of tragedy ❖

Censorship ➢ connections were less clear ➢ performed in theatre in 1944 ➢ theatrical importance

Do you believe that Anouilh and Sophocles intentions were similar or different?

Symbolism The French Resistance = Antigone -

Resisted for family Fighting against a higher power Nary an outcome (many deaths) Unknown stance

“ (...) I don’t know any more what I’m dying for (...)” (Antigone, 57)

The Vichy Government = Creon -

Controlled by a third party Struggle between loyalties

“So doesn’t it strike you strange - I a king, set at naught by you yet listening patiently (...) who’s all powerful {and} (...) seen plenty of people killed, just as appealing as you - and here I am taking all this trouble to try to keep you from dying?” (Antigone, 37) Nazi = Chorus -

Overpowering Ominous

“In drama you struggle, because you hope you’re going to survive. It’s utilitarian - sordid. But tragedy is gratuitous. (...) Fit for a king!” (Antigone, 26)

What do you think Nazis opinion of Antigone was?

Nazi Opinion of Antigone ❖ Antigone was not censored by because it was thought to be a retelling of an ancient tale. ❖ Nazis embraced Antigone because of the classical source. ➢ Allowed the play to take place in , which was under strict censorship.

Bibliography ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

"Antigone - Sophocles - Ancient Greece - Classical Literature." Antigone - Sophocles - Ancient Greece - Classical Literature. Web. 16 Sept. 2015. . "Pericles." Pericles. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. . "The French Resistance - History Learning Site." History Learning Site. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. . "The French Resistance." WW2DB RSS. Web. 17 Sept. 2015. . "Antigone: A Parallel to the French Resistance." Needtoreadblog. 14 July 2013. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. . "Iraq Academic Scientific Journals." Iraq Academic Scientific Journals. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. . "Vichy | French History." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. . “The Agony of ‘Antigone’: Anouilh’s Heroine Symbolized Nazi Resistance, Its Validity Holds, says ART’s Cotter.” Los Angeles Times. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.