Valuable aspects of any literary work are its themes, symbols, and motifs. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to anatomize without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the rich symbolism Sophocles uses in the play.
During this period, laws were very important to the Greeks. There were two sets of laws that had to be obeyed: the law of the gods, and the law of man, or the King. Throughout the story of Antigone, there is a struggle to balance the expectations of the gods and the decree by the Creon. For Antigone, it is clear that no mortal's rule has a hold on her like the rules and laws of the afterlife. Antigone follows the rules of the gods, and buries her brother.
A predominant motif is that of suicide. Taking one's own life to bring an end to pain and suffering. In each of the Oedipus plays, numerous characters take their life instead of living with suffering. Rather than ending matters, these suicides are yet another link in a tragic chain, often leading to more suffering and death.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Antigone. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Start by selecting one or two major themes from Antigone, such as the conflict between divine law and human law or the consequences of pride. Invite students to share their thoughts in small groups, then bring everyone together for a whole-class discussion. This approach encourages participation and helps students deepen their understanding by hearing different viewpoints.
Choose a scene that illustrates an important theme or symbol. Assign roles such as Antigone, Creon, and chorus members. Let students act out the scene, focusing on how the characters’ actions demonstrate the chosen theme. This method makes abstract ideas more concrete and engages multiple learning styles.
Ask students to identify symbols in Antigone, such as burial rites or laws. Have them draw or digitally design a map showing how these symbols connect to the play’s themes. Encourage students to add brief explanations for each connection. This activity builds analytical skills and reinforces understanding through creativity.
Divide the class into two groups—one supporting Antigone’s decisions, the other supporting Creon’s. Provide each side with time to prepare arguments using evidence from the text. Moderate a respectful debate, prompting students to consider moral dilemmas and real-world parallels. This promotes critical thinking and respectful dialogue.
Have students write a short journal entry about a time they faced a conflict between following rules and doing what they believed was right. Relate their experiences to Antigone’s struggle. This reflection personalizes learning and helps students connect literature to their own lives.
Antigone explores themes such as conflict between divine law and human law, family loyalty, fate, and the consequences of pride. These central ideas drive the actions and choices of the characters throughout the play.
To teach themes, symbols, and motifs in Antigone, use storyboards to have students visually identify and illustrate key elements. Encourage class discussions and assign activities where students create images and descriptions of examples from the text.
Notable symbols in Antigone include burial rituals (representing respect for the gods), walls (isolation), and suicide (a tragic response to fate and suffering). These symbols deepen the play's meaning and connect to its themes.
A theme is a central idea or message, a symbol is an object or action that represents something deeper, and a motif is a recurring element that supports the theme. Understanding these helps students analyze literature more deeply.
Motifs, such as suicide and law versus morality, reinforce the play's major themes and help students see patterns in character decisions and the unfolding tragedy, making literary analysis more meaningful.