The Antigone Inquiry Session 1
Inquiry Panel - Brief
You are an inquiry panel, which the city-state of Thebes has set up to look into the events that led to the deaths of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice. Your role is to gather evidence, ask probing questions, and weigh up the perspectives of key individuals and groups involved in what happened. Your ultimate aim is to determine the causes of this tragic sequence of events, and make recommendations to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.
In advance of the hearing, you should prepare one or two questions to ask each group after they have presented their statement. You may want to use the briefs for the various groups as a source of ideas for your questions. Here is the first question you should ask of each group:
- To Antigone’s Group: “How do you reconcile Antigone's defiance of Creon’s law with the consequences it brings not just to herself but to those she loves?”
- To Creon’s Group: “Do you believe there was a point at which Creon could have compromised, or was strict adherence to his decree the only way to preserve his authority?”
- To the Chorus’s Group: “What responsibility does the Chorus bear for not taking a stronger stand earlier in the conflict between Antigone and Creon?”
- To Haemon’s Group: “To what extent do Haemon’s actions reflect loyalty to his father versus loyalty to Antigone, and how might that impact on his credibility as a mediator?”
During the hearing, you should listen carefully, ask appropriate questions (these may be pre-prepared, or they may be prompted by what you have heard in a statement), and deliberate judiciously to reach a fair and balanced verdict.
Antigone’s Group - Brief
You are representing Antigone. Your role is to present Antigone’s perspective and defend her actions. Argue why she defied Creon’s edict, focusing on her belief in divine law, familial duty, and moral conviction. Explain her motivations, address the consequences of her choices, and advocate for her legacy as a figure of justice and principle. Be prepared to respond to questions about the broader implications of her defiance.
In advance of the hearing, you should prepare a statement of about five minutes, covering the points above, to present to the panel.
During the hearing, you should respond to any questions that the panel may ask.
Creon’s Group - Brief
You are representing Creon. Your role is to explain and justify his actions, emphasizing the importance of upholding state authority and enforcing laws for the good of the city. Argue why Creon believed his decree was necessary and why he could not make exceptions without undermining his leadership. Be ready to address questions about whether his actions were overly rigid or if compromise was possible.
In advance of the hearing, you should prepare a statement of about five minutes, covering the points above, to present to the panel.
During the hearing, you should respond to any questions that the panel may ask.
The Chorus’s Group - Brief
You are representing the Chorus, the collective voice of Theban elders. Your role is to explore the perspective of the Chorus as witnesses to the tragedy. Discuss the Chorus’s evolving views on Antigone, Creon, and the unfolding events. Highlight the tension between supporting stability in Thebes and recognizing the moral courage of Antigone. Be prepared to answer questions about whether the Chorus acted too passively and what role it played in enabling the tragedy.
In advance of the hearing, you should prepare a statement of about five minutes, covering the points above, to present to the panel.
During the hearing, you should respond to any questions that the panel may ask.
Haemon’s Group - Brief
You are representing Haemon. Your role is to present his perspective, arguing for a balanced approach that prioritizes justice, compassion, and the welfare of Thebes. Explain why Haemon attempted to reason with Creon and support Antigone, and how his loyalty was torn between love for Antigone and duty to his father. Be ready to address questions about Haemon’s actions and whether they contributed to the tragedy.
In advance of the hearing, you should prepare a statement of about five minutes, covering the points above, to present to the panel.
During the hearing, you should respond to any questions that the panel may ask.
