MIdterm study questions

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Philosophy

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Dec 6, 2023

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1. What does Creon mean by the analogy of a ship passing through a storm? Creon uses the analogy of a ship passing through a storm to describe the state of Thebes and the need for strong leadership. He means that in times of crisis and turmoil, like a ship navigating through a tempestuous sea, a city needs a steady and authoritative hand at the helm to guide it safely. Creon believes that his rule and strict enforcement of laws will bring stability and order to Thebes. Quote: "We must defend her now, as we would defend a city turning her back in flight, a ship passing through a storm. For if we allow the lawbreakers to go free, we jeopardize the order of our city." 2. Who is at the helm of the ship? In the analogy, Creon himself is at the helm of the ship. He is the ruler of Thebes and believes that he alone should have the authority to make and enforce laws for the city. Quote: "Whoever is chosen to govern should be obeyed—must be obeyed, in little things and great, in just and unjust alike. And so I propose to enforce this decree, which I have just announced for our common good, without exception." 3. What tragedy has befallen the two brothers of Antigone and Ismene? The two brothers of Antigone and Ismene, Eteocles and Polyneices, have died in battle while fighting against each other for control of Thebes. They killed each other in combat, which is a tragic and devastating event for their family and the city. Quote: "Both are dead. Both have paid the penalty precisely as the law prescribes each in the very act of battle, with the other’s brother as his killer." 4. What punishment has Creon decreed concerning Polyneices’ corpse? Creon has decreed that Polyneices' corpse should be left unburied and exposed to the elements and scavenging animals. He considers Polyneices a traitor for attacking Thebes and believes that this harsh punishment will serve as a warning to others. Quote: "But for the miscreant who shows himself loyal to our city in nothing I’ll never grant that man the honor of a grave, not even for a moment. I'll give strict orders that his body be exposed left for the birds and dogs to maul and tear." 5. What does Antigone propose to do in response to Creon’s decree? How does Ismene respond? Antigone proposes to defy Creon's decree and bury her brother Polyneices herself, believing it is her moral duty to do so. She argues that divine laws take precedence over human laws. Ismene,
on the other hand, is initially reluctant and afraid to help Antigone, fearing the consequences of defying Creon's authority. Quote (Antigone): "I will bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory." Quote (Ismene): "You’re in love with impossibility." 6. What news does the watchman bring to Creon? The watchman brings news to Creon that someone has defied his decree and buried Polyneices' body. He reports that the body was discreetly buried with a thin layer of dust, and the earth did not appear to have been disturbed. This discovery raises concerns about potential divine intervention. Quote: "I’ll tell you quickly, not dragging it out someone, it seems, has secretly done this thing, and the dirt’s still fresh. It hasn’t been buried long; the body’s barely covered." 7. How does Creon respond to the news? Creon is furious and agitated upon hearing the news that someone has buried Polyneices. He sees this act of defiance as a challenge to his authority and the law he has decreed. He becomes even more determined to find and punish the person responsible for the burial. Quote: "Who is the man? Show me the man! Have you found him out, or is he still eluding you?" 8. What does Creon initially assume is the motivating factor in the lawbreaker’s act? Creon initially assumes that the lawbreaker's motivation for burying Polyneices is greed, as they may be seeking to claim the reward he had offered for information about the burial. He suspects that someone is motivated by personal gain rather than a sense of duty or morality. Quote: "I do not believe, no, never, that any citizen would dare such an act, with the penalty I have attached—unless he had suborners here to buy him off with bribes."
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