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Study guide prepared by the students of John Marshall Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Ability Magnet Seven against Thebes, by Aeschylus Cell 1: Quote: “You it beseems now-boys unripened yet to lusty manhood, men gone past the prime and increase of the full begetting seed, and those whom youth and manhood well combined array for action all to rise in aid of city, shrines, and altars of all powers who guard our land.” Summary: Eteocles (ruling king of Thebes) is calling forth every man in the city, whether young or aged to help fight the threat imposed on him. Comprehension Question: Why is Eteocles addressing the men? Vocabulary Question: “Down with Eteocles! A clamorous curse, a dirge of ruin.” In the quote above, the word clamorous most closely means: A) Quiet B) Loud C) Subtle D) Linguistic
Transcript
Page 1: Gifted, High Ability Magnet...Study guide prepared by the students of John Marshall Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Ability Magnet Seven against Thebes, by Aeschylus Cell 1: Quote: “You

Study guide prepared by the students of John Marshall Gifted, Highly

Gifted, High Ability Magnet

Seven against Thebes, by Aeschylus

Cell 1:

Quote: “You it beseems now-boys unripened yet to lusty manhood,men gone past the prime and increase of the full begetting seed, andthose whom youth and manhood well combined array for action all torise in aid of city, shrines, and altars of all powers who guard ourland.”

Summary: Eteocles (ruling king of Thebes) is calling forth every manin the city, whether young or aged to help fight the threat imposed onhim.

Comprehension Question: Why is Eteocles addressing the men?

Vocabulary Question: “Down with Eteocles! A clamorous curse, adirge of ruin.”

In the quote above, the word clamorous most closely means:

A) QuietB) LoudC) SubtleD) Linguistic

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Predictive Question: Do you think the men of Thebes are ready tofight and defend their city?

Ethical Question: Do you think its right to draft boys at young agesto go to war?

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Cell 2:

Quote: “But now the seer, the feeder of the birds (whose art unerringand prophetic skill of ear and mind divines their utterance without thelore of fire interpreted) Foretelleth, by the mastery of his art, that nowan onset of Achaea’s host is by council of the night designed to fall indouble strength upon our walls.”

Summary: Eteocles is telling the people of an impending attack ontheir city as foretold to him by a seer.

Comprehension Question: What was foretold by the seer?

Vocabulary Question: “Nor hold too heinous a respect for Hordessent on you from afar: some god will guard!”

In the Quote above, the word heinous most closely means:

A) HorrifyingB) AdmirableC) RationalD) Unobtrusive

Predictive Question: Do you think the city will be able to defenditself?

Ethical Question: Is it right for Eteocles to cause a wave of panic tothe people by delivering this message?

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Cell 3

Quote: “Eteocles, high king of Cadmus’ folk, I stand here with newscertified and sure from Argos’ camp, things by myself descried, Sevenwarriors yonder, doughty chiefs of might, into crimsoned concave sheda bull’s blood.”

Summary: A spy/ Scout enters with news that an army led by sevencommanders is just outside the walls and is preparing for battle.

Comprehension Question: Does the spy/scout come bearing good orbad news?

Vocabulary Question: “Not here we tarry and wail”

In the quote above, the word tarry most closely means:

A) To delayB) To finishC) To squirmD) To carry on

Predictive Question: Will the seven commanders succeed?

Literary Question: “The dust whirls up and from their planting steedswhite foamy flakes like snow bedew the plain.”

In the quote above, the literary device being used is:

A) Euphony

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B) AlliterationC) ImageryD) Metaphor

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Cell 4

Quote: “O Zeus and Earth and city guarding gods, and thou myfather’s curse, of baneful might, spare ye at least thee town, nor rootit up, by the violence of the foemen, stock and stem! For here, fromhome and hearth, rings hella’s tongue. Forbid that ever yoke of slaveryshould bow this land of freedom, Cadmus’ hold! Be ye her help! Yourcause I plead with mine- A city saved doth honor to her gods!”

Summary: Eteocles is praying to Zeus for his favor in the battle tocome and to protect his city.

Comprehension Question: Why does Eteocles pray to Zeus?

Vocabulary Question: “And seven chieftains of war, with spear andwith panoply bold, are set, by the law of lot, to storm the seven gatesof our hold.”

In the quote above, the word panoply most closely means:

A) Something that covers and protectsB) Array of colorsC) Ceremonial attireD) Weaponry

Predictive Question: Do you think that Zeus will help Eteocles? Whyor why not?

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Associative Question: Do people still pray before going to battle inwars happening today?

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Cell 5

Quote: “Look you now- your flying feet, and rumor of your fears, havespread a soulless panic on our walls, and they without due go fromstrength to strength, and we within breach upon ourselves.”

Summary: A chorus of Theban women begins to comment about thebattle that is coming and Eteocles responds to them saying that theyare the reason for the spread of panic upon the men.

Comprehension Question: Why is Eteocles angry with the women?

Vocabulary Question: “O gods and O sisters of gods, our bulwarkand guard! We beseech that ye give not our war-worn hold to a rabbleof alien speech!”

In the quote above, the word bulwark most closely means:A) OpeningB) BarrierC) WeaknessD) Rumble

Predictive Question: Do you think the men will still fight?

Ethical Question: Was it right of the women to scare the men rightbefore the battle?

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Seven Against ThebesCell #1 – “First Signs of War”

CHORUSAh, but I fled to the shrines, I called to our helpers on high,When the stone-shower roared at the portals!I sped to the temples aloft, and loud was my call and my cry,Look down and deliver, Immortals!

An announcement that helps and supports is needed. Now that thereare signs of a close war. This message is spread loud and clearthroughout the city warning the population of a soon encounter.

1) What is the meaning of this quote?2) Is it right to ask for help the way that it is asked here?3) What would probably happen if help were not achieved by the

time this war begins?4) What does portals mean?

A) Ocean C.) Main entranceB) Furniture D.) Soldiers

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Seven Against ThebesCell #2 – “Desired Men”

ETEOCLESLet men with sacrifice and auguryApproach the gods, when comes the tug of war:Alaids must be silent and abide within.

Eteocles is saying that men who are full of will and sacrifice should bethe ones approaching the gods and not be afraid when the roughnessand obstacles start to cross in their paths. He makes it clear thatduring this war, men should always be obedient and even tolerate withother or themselves in order to achieve a goal.

1) Who is talking thought this quote?2) Do you think this situation can be compared to Bush and his

army? If so, how?3) How is “the tug of war” used in this quote?4) What does augry mean?

A) Place for WorshipB) Art of divinationC) Extreme sorrowD) Strength

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Seven Against ThebesCell #1 – “Tydeus vs. Melanippus”

THE SPY…But Tydeus, mad with lust of blood and broil,Like to a cockatrice at noontide hour,Hisses out wrath and smites with scourge of tongueThe prophet-son of Oecleus-Wise thou art,Faint against war, and holding back from death!

The spy announces the first battle between Tydeus and Melanippus.

1.) Who fought in the first battle? Who won?2.) Who would most likely win the first battle? Why?3.) How are Tydeus and President Bush alike based on the spy’s

description of Tydeus?4.) “Like to a cockatrice at noontide hour”

In the quote above, cockatrice most closely mean:A) A serpent that can kill by a glance C) a gangsterthat singsB) A spider with 7 legs D) a cockroach with 2 legs

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Seven Against ThebesCell #2 – “May the Gods Give Fortune Fair”

CHORUS chantingThen may the gods give fortune fairUnto our chief, sent forth to dareWar's terrible arbitrament!But ah! when champions wend away,I shudder, lest, from out the fray,Only their blood-stained wrecks be sent!

The Chorus is chanting and pleading for the help from the gods, but atthe same time, is afraid of defeat.

1) What is the Chorus fear of?2) Is it honorable to fear defeat? Why or why not?3) Will the Chorus’ prayer help the fight? If so, who would most

likely win?4) “I shudder, lest, from out the fray,”

In the quote above, shudder most closely mean:A) To tremble with anxiety C) to tremble with fearB) To tremble with love D) to tremble with pride

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Seven Against ThebesCell #3 – “Capaneus and a bolt flame”

THE SPYNay, let him pass, and the gods' help be his!Next, Capaneus comes on, by lot to leadThe onset at the gates Electran styled:A giant be, more huge than Tydeus' self,And more than human in his arrogance-May fate forefend his threat against our walls!

The spy announces Capaneus for the second gate.

1) How does the spy describe Capaneus?2) What would probably happen to Capaneus?“And more than human in his arrogance-“3) In the quote above, arrogance most closely mean:

A) Overbearing pride C) modestyB) Ignorance D) humility

4) Which of the following literary device is used in the quote above?A) Aporia C) amphibolyB) Aposiopesis D) analogue

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Seven Against ThebesCell #4 – “Hippomedon versus Hyperbius”

THE SPYLo, next him stands a fourth and shouts amain,By Pallas Onca's portal, and displaysA different challenge; 'tis Hippomedon!Huge the device that starts up from his targeIn high relief; and, I deny it not,I shuddered, seeing how, upon the rim,It made a mighty circle round the shield-No sorry craftsman he, who wrought that workAnd clamped it all around the buckler's edge!

The spy announces Hippomedon for the fourth battle againstHyperbius.

1) Who are fighting in the fourth battle?2) Who would most likely win? Why?3) “No sorry craftsman he, who wrought that work”

Identify the part of speech of each word in the quote above.4) “Lo, next him stands a fourth and shouts amain”

In the quote above, amain most closely mean:A) To lower a sail C) with might or force; vigorouslyB) To surrender D) to wash a car

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Seven Against ThebesCell #5 - “ Parthenopaeus versus Actor”

THE SPYIn name, not mood, is he a maiden's child-Parthenopaeus; large and bright his eyesBut fierce the wrath wherewith he fronts the gate:Yet not unheralded he takes his standBefore the portal; on his brazen shield,The rounded screen and shelter of his form,I saw him show the ravening Sphinx, the fiendThat shamed our city-how it glared and moved,Clamped on the buckler, wrought in high relief!

The spy announces Parthenopaeus for the fifth battle against Actor.

1) Who are fighting in the fifth battle?2) Who would most likely die? Why?3) Identify the part of speech of each word in the following quote:

“I saw him show the ravening Sphinx, the fiend “4) “Before the portal; on his brazen shield”

In the quote above, brazen shield most closely mean:A) Shield with a loud, resonant sound shieldB) Quiet, flexible shieldC) A cautious shieldD) Unobtrusive shield

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Seven Against ThebesCell #6 – “The Finale”

THE SPYFronting the sixth gate stands another foe,Wisest of warriors, bravest among seers-Such must I name Amphiaraus: he,Set steadfast at the Homoloid gate,Berates strong Tydeus with reviling words-The man of blood, the bane of state and homeTo Argos, arch-allurer to all ill,Evoker of the Fury-fiend of hell,Death's minister, and counsellor of wrongUnto Adrastus in this fatal field.Ay, and with eyes upturned and mien of scornHe chides thy brother Polyneices toAt his desert, and once and yet againDwells hard and meaningly upon his nameWhere it saith glory yet importeth feud.

The spy announces Amphiaraus, the bravest among seers, for thesixth battle against Lasthenes.

1) Who are fighting in the sixth battle? Who is the bravest amongseers?

2) What are the outcomes of the finale?

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3) Is it fair to make the bravest, and strongest fight someone at alower level of strength?

4) “He chides thy brother Polyneices to…”In the quote above, chides most closely mean:A) To brag C) to honorB) To scold D) to dance

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Cell 1

Quote: The Spy- “Last, let me name yon seventh antagonist, thybrother’s self, at the seventh portal set-hear with what wrath heimprecates our doom, vowing to mount the wall, though banishedhence, and peal aloud the wild exulting cry- the town is ta’en thenclash his sword with thine,”

Summary: The spy says that seven generals along with Eteocles’brother are declaring war with him. The spy says that Eteocles’ brothersaid he will kill him during this war.

1. Who will kill whom?2. In the quote above the word antagonist most closely means…3. Would you ever fight your brother?4. Who do you think will win?

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Cell 2

Quote: Eteocles- “Ah me, the madman, and the curse of Heaven andwoe for us, the lamentable line of Oedipus, and woe that in this houseour father’s curse must find accomplishment! But now, a truce to tearsand loud lament, lest they should breed a still more rueful wail! As forthis Polyneices, named too well, soon shall we know how this deviceshall end-”

Summary: Eteocles said that hopefully his father’s curse does nothappen. He wants to win the war and kill his brother. Eteocles said hewould also take the throne from him at war.

1. What does Eteocles want to take from his brother?2. In the quote above the word rueful most closely means…3. Why would a father put a curse on his own son?4. Would his father’s curse come true or will he win the throne?

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Cell 3

Quote: Eteocles- “If man find hurt, yet clasp his honor still, ‘tis well;the dead have honour, nought beside. Hurt, with dishonour, wins noword of praise!”

Summary: Eteocles says the dead men have as much honor as hutmen have and that is what wins wars.

1. According to Eteocles do dead men have honor?2. In the quote above the word honor most closely means…3. Do you think someone that dies for his or her country has

honor?4. Around how many men will die?

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Cell 4

Quote: Eteocles- “Ay, kindled by the curse of Oedipus- all tooprophetic, out of dreamland came the vision, meeting out our sire’sestates!”

Summary: Eteocles is saying that his father curse was all nonsense.He is saying that Oedipus was just saying anything.

1. What does Eteocles think of the curse?2. In the quote above the word prophetic most closely means…3. Have you ever put a curse on someone? Why?4. Do you think Eteocles will start getting more worried about the

curse?

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Cell 5

Quote: Leader-“Go not thou forth to guard the seventh gate!”Eteocles-“Words shall not blunt the edge of my resolve.”Leader-“Yet the god loves to let the weak prevail.”Eteocles-“That to a swordsman is no welcome word!Leader-“Shall thine own brother’s blood be victory’s palm?”Eteocles-“I’ll which the gods have sent thou canst no-shun.”

Summary: The leader tells Eteocles to go guard the gate. Eteoclessays that no word would change the fact that he will win and get thethrone from his brother. The leader then asks him if he will kill hisbrother for victory.

1. Where is Eteocles going to guard?2. In the quote above the word blunt most closely means…3. What will you do talk over the problem or fight?4. What will happen next?

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Seven Against Thebes Cell #1 page 11

CHORUS:But when, in the fulness of days, he knew of his bridal unblest,A twofold horror he wrought, in the frenzied despair of his breast-Debarred from the grace of the banquet, the service of goblets of goldHe flung on his children a curse for the splendour they dared towithhold.

SummaryHere the chorus is talking about the curse Oedipus placed on both hissons for the “splendour they dared to with hold”

QuestionsWho cursed whom?

In the quote what is meat by “the splendour they dared to with hold”?

How would someone in present time deal with another person refusingto give them power??

What literature device is used in this quote: “Debarred from the graceof the banquet”

a. simileb. personificationc. metaphord. hyperbole

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Seven Against Thebes Cell #2

THE SPYTake heart, ye daughters whom your mothers' milkMade milky-hearted! lo, our city stands,Saved from the yoke of servitude: the vauntsOf overweening men are silent now,And the State sails beneath a sky serene,Nor in the manifold and battering wavesHath shipped a single surge, and solid standsThe rampart, and the gates are made secure,Each with a single champion's trusty guard.So in the main and at six gates we holdA victory assured; but, at the seventh,The god that on the seventh day was born,Royal Apollo, hath ta'en up his restTo wreak upon the sons of OedipusTheir grandsire's wilfulness of long ago.

SummaryA spy enters with news about the battle. He says that six of the sevengates of Thebes are now safe, but at the seventh gate something hashappened the two sons of Oedipus.

QuestionsWho enters the room with news from the battle at Thebes

How many of the gates of Thebes are now safe?a. 3

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b. 6c. 7d. 0

What the heck does “ta’en” mean?

What do you think happen to the two sons of Oedipus based on hiscurse he out on them?

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Seven Against Thebes Cell # 3

THE SPYYea, blotting out the lineage ill-starred!Now mix your exultation and your tears,Over a city saved, the while its lords,Twin leaders of the fight, have parcelled outWith forged arbitrament of Scythian steelThe full division of their fatherland,And, as their father's imprecation bade,Shall have their due of land, a twofold grave.So is the city saved; the earth has drunkBlood of twin princes, by each other slain.

SummaryThe spy is say to the chorus that they should be both happy and sad.While the city of Thebes has been saved the two brothers have foughtand killed each other just as their father had prophesized!! The chorusis devastated and proceeds to grieve over the fate of Laiusdescendants.

QuestionsWhat news does the spy have??

Who kills whom???

Is it really possible for two people to kill each other at the same timelike Etocles and Polyneices did?

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Do you think that it is just coincidence that the brother killed eachother over the kingdom or is it really Oedipus’ curse?

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Seven Against Thebes Cell #4

CHORUSLook up, look yonder! from the homeAntigone, Ismene come,On the last, saddest errand bound,To chant a dirge of doleful sound,With agony of equal painAbove their brethren slain!Their sister-bosoms surely swell,Heart with rent heart according wellIn grief for those who fought and fell!Yet-ere they utter forth their woeWe must awake the rueful strainTo vengeful powers, in realms below,And mourn hell's triumph o'er the slain!

SummaryAntigone and Ismene the sisters of the dead enter with a train ofmourners with the bodies of Etocles and Polyneices. The chorus isswept by emotions.Questions

Who enters the room along with the bodies of the two dead brothers?

What does “o'er” mean?

Would you be really sad if both of your brothers died on the same day?Would it have been as bad if they didn’t kill each other?

Is the funeral similar to those that occur today?

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Seven Against Thebes Cell # 5

CHORUSChildren of bitterness, and sternly brave-One, proud of heart against persuasion's voice,One, against exile proof! ye win your choice-Each in your fatherland, a separate grave!Alack, on house and heritageThey brought a baneful doom, and death for wage!One strove through tottering walls to force his way,One claimed, in bitter arrogance, the sway,And both alike, even now and here,Have closed their suit, with steel for arbiter!And lo, the Fury-fiend of Oedipus, their sire,Hath brought his curse to consummation direEach in the left side smitten, see them laid-The children of one womb,Slain by a mutual doom!SUMMARYThe chorus now begins to speak to the brothers. They compare thetwo and believe all these horrible things are due to the curse theirfather has placed in them. Then they talk about how the land mournstheir death and that they all have the right to cry. And they go on andon about the bitter fighting between the two over the kingdom.QUESTIONSWho starts to talk about the death of the two brothers?

Who does the chorus blame for all of the things that have happened?

What does arrogance mean?a. overbearing pride

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b. being dumbc. smelling goodd. crunchy

Regarding the situation between the two brothers, whom would youconsider the “good guy”?

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Seven Against ThebesCell #3 – “Stay Calm for our good and the good of everyone!”

ETEOCLESThen, if thou hearest, hear them not too well

LEADERHark, the earth rumbles, as they close us round!

ETEOCLESEnough if I am here, with plans prepared.

LEADERAlack, the battering at the gates is loud!

ETEOCLESPeace! stay your tongue, or else the town may hear!

LEADERO warders of the walls, betray them not!

ETEOCLESBeshrew your cries! in silence face your fate.

Eteocles is speaking with the leader of the chorus and they arediscussing this future war that is approaching them quickly. Eteoclestells him not to be afraid and that he is prepared with same plans. Theleader responds in horror about the noise that is surrounding them.Eteocles thinks and speaks with a clear mind therefore tells him toquiet down and not alarm the rest of the population near them.

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1) how did this dialogue influence the different ways of seeing thiswar? (Eteocles/Leader of the chorus)

2) What would probably happen if Eteocles does not encourage thisleader of chorus to go on with the procedure of war and to quietdown?

3) Is it right to start to prepare an army to fight for his throne thathe was supposed to share?

4) What does warden mean?A) documentB) insectC) nestD) a person that guards (chief)

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Seven Against ThebesCell #4 – “Have Faith and Pray”

TEOCLESI take that word as wiser than the rest.Nay, more: these images possess thy will-Pray, in their strength that Heaven be on our side!Then hear my prayers withal, and then ring outThe female triumph-note, thy privilege-Yea, utter forth the usage Hellas knows,The cry beside the altars, sounding clearEncouragement to friends, alarm to foes.

Basically, in this quote, Eteocles has achieved in convincing the leaderof the chorus not to fear their future but to be brave and count inprayer that it’ll be on their side and will prepare them. This is knownby Greece as an encouragement to friends but an alarm for enemies.

1.) What is Eteocles suggesting everyone should do?2.) Is it right to Eteocles is counting in prayer as one of his essential

plans?3.) How can a “cry beside the altars” be an encouragement to

friends but can be an alarm to enemies?4.) What does withal mean in the quote: “then weak my prayers

withal”?A) Then hear my prayers pleaseB) Then wear my prayers onlyC) Then hear my prayers besides

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D) Then weak my prayers proudly

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Seven Against ThebesCell #5 – “Eteocles soon departure”

EteoclesBut I will back, and, with six chosen menMyself the seventh, to confront the foeIn this great aspect of a poised war,Return and plant them at the sevenfold gates,Or e'er the prompt and clamorous battle-scoutsHaste to inflame our counsel with the need.

Here, Eteocles is saying that he will soon be back but with six othermen making him the seventh. He wants to face his enemy with a fairwar and place them at the sevenfold gates or the punctual and lousscouts rapidly would excite the counsel with the need.

1.) how many men is Eteocles trying to recruit?2.) Is it right that Eteocles thinks of this war as a poised war?3.) What would probably happen if the enemy is confronted any

other way except fairly?4.) “hate to infame” is most closely mean:

A) proud to informB) quick to exciteC) happy to change

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D) encouraged to explain

Cell 1- MourningSeven Against ThebesPage 13

*Quote- ANTIGONE, ISMENE, and the CHORUSO dark were the sorrowsThat exile hath known!He slew, but returned notAlive to his own!He struck down a brother, but fell, in the moment of triumph hewndown!

O lineage accurst,O doom and despair!Alas, for their quarrel,The brothers that were!And woe! for their pitiful end, who once were our love and our care!

*Summary- Antigone and Ismene chant a sad song about the death oftheir brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles, who had died in battle. Thenthe chorus joins them in their dirge.

*Comprehension Question- What are Antigone and Ismene doing?

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*Associative Question- Do people today sing songs over a loved one’sdeath?

*Predictive Question- What would happen if someone else joined thedirge?

*Literary Device Question- What literary device is used in the followingsentence?

“For why? he hated those who hated us, and, with all dutiesblamelessly performed unto the sacred ritual of his sires, he met suchend as gains our city's grace,- with auspices that do ennoble death.”

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Cell 2- HeraldSeven Against ThebesPage 13

*Quote- HERALDI bear command to tell to one and allWhat hath approved itself and now is law,Ruled by the counsellors of Cadmus' town.For this Eteocles, it is resolvedTo lay him on his earth-bed, in this soil,Not without care and kindly sepulture.For why? he hated those who hated us,And, with all duties blamelessly performedUnto the sacred ritual of his sires,He met such end as gains our city's grace,-With auspices that do ennoble death.Such words I have in charge to speak of him:But of his brother Polyneices, this-Be he cast out unburied, for the dogsTo rend and tear: for he presumed to wasteThe land of the Cadmeans, had not Heaven-Some god of those who aid our fatherland-Opposed his onset, by his brother's spear,To whom, tho' dead, shall consecration come!Against him stood this wretch, and brought a hordeOf foreign foemen, to beset our town.He therefore shall receive his recompense,Buried ignobly in the maw of kites-

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No women-wailers to escort his corpseNor pile his tomb nor shrill his dirge anew-Unhouselled, unattended, cast awaySo, for these brothers, doth our State ordain.

*Summary- A herald (also known as a messenger) enters and deliversCreon’s decree that says Eteocles will be given a hero’s burial, butPolyneices must be left unburied so vicious animals can tear out hisflesh.

*Comprehension Question- What will happen to Eteocles andPolyneices?

*Vocabulary Question- What does the word consecration in thefollowing quote most closely means?

“To whom, tho’ death, shall consecration come!”

a. Secretionb. Concretionc. Sanctificationd. Creation

*Associative Question- Referring to Creon’s decree, has any present-day political leaders done anything similar?

*Grammar Question- Identify the part of speech of each word in thefollowing quote:

“I charge thee, not to flout the city's law!”

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Cell 3- Verbal Sparring MatchSeven Against ThebesPage 14

*Quote- HERALD Stern is a people newly 'scaped from death.

ANTIGONE Whet thou their sternness! burial he shall have.

HERALD How? grace of burial, to the city's foe?

ANTIGONE God hath not judged him separate in guilt.

*Summary- Antigone decides that her brother deserves a properburial. Forbidding it, the herald begins a verbal sparring match,arguing about Antigone’s decision.

*Vocabulary Question- What does the word whet in the following quotenearly mean?

“Whet thou their sternness! burial he shall have.”

a. Sharpenb. Wheatc. Wetd. Remove

*Associative Question- Referring to Antigone, do people still defendtheir sibling’s in today’s society?

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*Grammar Question- Identify the subject, verbs, and objects of eachclause in the following quote:

“God hath not judged him separate in guilt.”

*Literary Device Question- What literary device is used in the quoteabove?

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Cell 4- The Second RoundSeven Against ThebesPage 14

*Quote- HERALD True-till he put this land in jeopardy.

ANTIGONE His rights usurped, he answered wrong with wrong.

HERALD Nay-but for one man's sin he smote the State.

ANTIGONE Contention doth out-talk all other gods!Prate thou no more-I will to bury him.

HERALD Will, an thou wilt! but I forbid the deed.The HERALD goes out.

*Summary- The herald and Antigone continue to argue about thedecree. Herald talks about Polyneices bad qualities, while Antigonetries to defend her dead brother. At the end of their discussion,Antigone has her mind set on having a proper ceremony for Polyneiceseven though it went against the herald’s wishes.

*Comprehension Question- Why did Antigone and the herald start toquarrel?

*Ethical Question- If one isn’t given a proper burial ceremony, is thatconsidered immoral? Why or why not?

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*Associative Question- Compare the herald’s decision to sway towardCreon’s decree with a similar present-day occurrence?

*Predictive Question- What would’ve happened if the herald gave inand decided to side with Antigone?

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Cell 5- The Singing ChorusSeven Against ThebesPage 14

*Quote- CHORUS (singing)Exulting Fates, who waste the lineAnd whelm the house of Oedipus!Fiends, who have slain, in wrath condign,The father and the children thus!What now befits it that I do,What meditate, what undergo?

*Summary- The chorus mourns this new problem, which seems tocause more tribulations within the house of Oedipus. As they sing, thechorus contemplates as to which side is the right one by singing aboutPolyneices and Eteocles’ good and bad qualities.

*Comprehension Question- What did the chorus do?

*Associative Question- When someone dies, especially someone close,what does one do?

*Predictive Question- What will the chorus do next?

*Literary Device Question- What literary device was used in the quoteabove?

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Cell 6- Picking SidesSeven Against ThebesPage 14

*Quote- CHORUS (singing)Can I the funeral rite refrain,Nor weep for Polyneices slain?But yet, with fear I shrink and thrill,Presageful of the city's will!Thou, O Eteocles, shalt haveFull rites, and mourners at thy grave,But he, thy brother slain, shall he,With none to weep or cry Alas,To unbefriended burial pass?Only one sister o'er his bier,To raise the cry and pour the tear-Who can obey such stern decree?

SEMI-CHORUSLet those who hold our city's swayWreak, or forbear to wreak, their willOn those who cry, Ah, well-a-day!Lamenting Polyneices still!We will go forth and, side by sideWith her, due burial will provide!

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*Summary- Half of the chorus sides with Polyneices and joins Antigonein a funeral line to illegally bury him, while the other half of the chorusfollows the official burial of Eteocles.

*Comprehension Question- Who sided with Polyneices?

*Associative Question-Referring to the actions of the chorus, is thislikely to happen today? Explain.

*Literary Device Question- What literary device was used in the quoteabove?

*Predictive Question- What would happen if the herald decides to stopAntigone’s plan to give Polyneices a proper burial?


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