How does Anouilh’s Antigone—especially his heroine—relate to these different portrayals of women in French culture? Why does he deliberately challenge the idea of quiet, obedient womanhood the government was advocating? Does this reveal something about Anouilh’s political and social views?

Antigone

In a thoughtful brief essay of around 250 words, consider the following:

How does Anouilh’s Antigone—especially his heroine—relate to these different portrayals of women in French culture? Why does he deliberately challenge the idea of quiet, obedient womanhood the government was advocating? Does this reveal something about Anouilh’s political and social views?

Part Two: Some Selected Figures from Occupied France:

Look up each of the following men; consider their ideologies, values, and politics. Then, choose one who seems most intriguing. Imagine he has just returned from the premiere of Anouilh’s Antigone. How would he react to the play? Which characters would he support or condemn? What would your figure think of Creon’s use of power? What would he make of Anouilh’s politics? What steps might he try to take to reward or condemn the playwright?

Write this up in about 250 words, and be sure to include specific details.

Phillipe Pétain

Charles de Gaulle

René Bosquet

Emmanuel Célestin Suhard