Use the R.A.C.E.S. writing strategy to answer the following question:
Creon and Antigone disagree on whether or not the citizens of Thebes will side with him or her over the burial of Polyneices. What do each of them say about how the people will react, and why?
R - In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, both Creon and Antigone express their beliefs about the citizens of Thebes and how they will react to their actions regarding the burial of Polyneices.
A - Creon, the king of Thebes, believes that the citizens will side with him in his decision to forbid the burial of Polyneices, as he sees it as a necessary punishment for the traitor who fought against Thebes. He believes that the people will support his authority and obey his laws, fearing the consequences of going against his orders. Creon says, "I would not be King if I would not rule the city, but to let a woman best me ... It is intolerable." Creon's belief in the power of his authority and the fear he instills in the citizens leads him to believe they will not challenge him.
Antigone, on the other hand, believes that the citizens of Thebes will sympathize with her and support her actions in defying Creon's decree and burying her brother. She believes that the people of Thebes will see her actions as honorable and just, as she is obeying the laws of the gods by giving her brother a proper burial. Antigone says, "It's nothing to me if I lose my head; I've aimed to give my brother burial, and I'll do it." Antigone's strong belief in the righteousness of her actions and the support she receives from the gods leads her to believe that the citizens will side with her over Creon.
C - In conclusion, Creon and Antigone have different perspectives on how the citizens of Thebes will react to their actions regarding the burial of Polyneices. Creon believes that they will support his authority and obey his laws, while Antigone believes that they will sympathize with her and see her actions as just. The conflicting beliefs of Creon and Antigone ultimately lead to a tragic outcome in the play.