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In Ode 1 of Antigone, what portrait or concept of man is developed? How?

At the end of Scene 1, the Chorus sings an ode about the nature of mankind. They describe how the world contains amazing wonders, but “none more wonderful than man.” Mankind has conquered the ocean with ships, plowed the fields with horses, and tamed wild animals for work and food.


Humans also have amazing powers of thought and speech. Man can express himself well and “statecraft is his.” In fact, the Chorus goes so far as to say man can deal with everything that comes his way…except death. That is the one thing over which he has no control.


The ode ends with a caution, however. It praises mankind’s intelligence but warns that man is capable of both good and evil. When laws are followed, mankind progresses and builds wonderful civilizations. When laws are broken, anarchy reigns and destruction follows. The Chorus warns never to let an anarchist find welcome or rest.

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