Due 1/20/15 Persuasive speech

Activity

As the play progresses, the characters and chorus make a variety of statements that reflect both individually and societal views of life. Some of these viewpoints have not changed significantly in the centuries since Sophocles’ time, and others have.

1. First, select one of the statements from the list and think about its meaning.

• What ideas come to mind when you read the statement?

• What societal view is being expressed?

• How is this view similar to or different from our modern societal view of a similar topic?

• Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

2. Next, using the questions above as a guide, write notes on your reaction to the statement and prepare a short speech expressing your thoughts.

3. Give a three-minute speech on the statement to your classmates.

4. After each speech, discuss reactions to the statement as a class.

STATEMENTS THAT REFLECT SOCIETAL BELIEFS

• “Do but consider how most miserably/We too shall perish, if despite of law/We traverse the behest or power of kings.” (Ismene, )

• “We must remember we are women born,/Unapt to cope with men; and, being ruled/By mightier than ourselves, we have to hear/These things—and worse.” (Ismene, )

• “Far longer is there need I satisfy/Those nether Powers, than powers on earth; for there/For ever must I lie. You , if you will,/Hold up to scorn what is approved of Heaven!” (Antigone,)

• “Him too, who sets a friend/Before his native land, I prize at nothing.” (Creon)

• “Because it was not Zeus who ordered it,/Nor Justice, dweller with the Nether Gods,/Gave such a law to men; nor did I deem/Your ordinance of so much binding force,/As that a mortal man could overbear/The unchangeable unwritten code of Heaven;” (Antigone, )

• “Truly if here/She wield such powers uncensured, she is man,/I woman!” (Creon, )

• “So is it right, my son, to be disposed—/In everything to back your father’s quarrel” (Creon,  )

• “Obedience is due/To the state’s officer in small and great,/Just and unjust commandments.” (Creon,)

• “Do not persist, then, to retain at heart/One sole idea, that the thing is right/Which your mouth utters, and nought else beside./For all men who believe themselves alone/Wise, or that they possess a soul or speech/Such as none other, turn them inside out,/They are found empty;” (Haemon,)

• “A city is no city/That is of one man only.” (Haemon,)