Antigone: genre

Understanding Genre

Genre refers to a category of art, music, or literature. In drama, genre can impact a play’s structure, themes, and style.

‘Antigone’ as a Tragedy

‘Antigone’ falls into the genre of Greek tragedy. This genre is characterised by a central tragic hero (or heroine), a grave conflict or mistake (hamartia), and a resulting downfall.
The character Antigone fits the classic definition of a tragical hero. She possesses nobility (being a princess of Thebes), a fatal flaw or error in judgement (her stubbornness and defiance), and elicits both pity and fear through her tragic downfall.

Plots and Structure in ‘Antigone’

In tragedies, the plot leads to an unhappy ending, typically involving death or destruction. ‘Antigone’ follows this rule rigidly, with a plot leading to the suicide of Antigone and Haemon, and the death of Eurydice.
The structure of Greek tragedies often includes a prologue (a preliminary scene which sets up the drama), episodes (scenes which further the plot and develop the characters), and a chorus (a group of characters in Greek tragedy who comment on the main action, often through song). ‘Antigone’ adheres to this structure.

Themes in ‘Antigone’

Greek tragedies commonly explore grand and universal themes. In ‘Antigone’, this includes hubris (excessive pride or self-confidence), fate vs. free will, civil disobedience, and the laws of man vs. the laws of the gods.
These themes are brought out in ‘Antigone’ through the actions and decisions of the characters, especially Antigone’s insistence on burying her brother (in observance of the divine laws) despite Creon’s decree (representative of man-made laws).

Style in ‘Antigone’

Greek tragedies are also known for their elevated and dramatic style of language, full of metaphors, similes, and other figurative language. In ‘Antigone’, the language is lofty and formal, enhancing the grandeur of the themes and characters.
Another convention of Greek tragedy is dramatic irony, where the audience knows more than the characters. This is utilized in ‘Antigone’, particularly in the prophecy of Teiresias, which the audience knows will come true, but which Creon initially rejects.

It’s useful to consider how these genre conventions of Greek tragedy might support your interpretations of the drama. The understanding of genre will also help you understand how the play might have been received by its original audience and how it can be re-interpreted in modern performances.