Creon declares that anarchists are behind the burial of Polyneices. What dramatic irony lies in the declaration?
The audience knows that it is the Sentry who buried him.
The audience knows that it is a priest who buried him.
The audience knows that Creon secretly suspects Antigone but can't accuse her because she is Haimon's fiancée.
The audience knows that Antigone has buried him for religious, not political, reasons.
I know I'm 6 years late... But the answer is "The audience knows that Antigone has buried him for religious, not political, reasons."
If you have read the play, it'll be obvious. What do YOU THINK?
http://www.k-state.edu/english/baker/english320/cc-dramatic_irony.htm
The dramatic irony in Creon's declaration lies in the fact that the audience knows that it is actually the Sentry who buried Polyneices, not anarchists. This creates a situation where the audience has knowledge that the characters on stage are unaware of, thus creating tension and suspense.
To understand this dramatic irony in the declaration, you would need to be familiar with the events leading up to this point in the play. Here's how you can get to this answer:
1. Read or watch the play "Antigone" by Sophocles: Start by experiencing the play itself. Reading the play or watching a performance will give you a clear understanding of the plot, characters, and key events.
2. Pay attention to Creon's declaration: In the relevant scene, focus on the moment when Creon declares that anarchists are behind the burial of Polyneices. This is usually in Act 3.
3. Recall earlier events: Reflect on the events leading up to Creon's declaration. Specifically, remember the scene where the Sentry reports to Creon about the burial of Polyneices.
4. Remember the Sentry's report: The Sentry informs Creon that he found Polyneices' body buried, and suspects that someone must have done it. Importantly, the Sentry himself brought Polyneices' body to Creon's attention.
5. Consider the audience's knowledge: At this point, the audience knows that it was the Sentry who buried Polyneices to avoid punishment for neglecting the proper burial rites, which is why he presents the body to Creon.
6. Contrast Creon's belief with the truth: Knowing that the Sentry buried Polyneices, the audience realizes that Creon's declaration about anarchists is incorrect. This creates dramatic irony because the audience has information that the characters on stage, including Creon, do not.
By following these steps and understanding the context and events of the play, you can identify the dramatic irony in Creon's declaration.