Question

returning to the text • reread the scene to answer these text - dependent questions. • write any additional questions you have about the text in your reader/writer notebook. 1. in line 188, what does creon mean by the metaphorical phrase “after much tossing of our ship of state”? 2. what is creon’s definition of an effective ruler? cite evidence from the text to support your analysis. 3. reread lines 245 - 249. using evidence from the text, discuss how the chorus’s view of creon’s control seems to have changed from the beginning of the scene. 4. explain the hyperbole in lines 308 - 312. what emotion does this exaggerated imagery imply? 5. compare and contrast creon’s attitude toward the chorus in lines 327 - 343 to his speech at the start of this scene (lines 190 - 194). how has his tone shifted?

Explanation:

1. The metaphor "after much tossing of our ship of state" likely refers to the country having endured many difficulties, such as war, and now being on a more stable path.
2. Creon believes an effective ruler listens to and takes the best advice and puts the country first, as indicated by his statement about rulers who don't take good - advice being weak.
3. Initially, the Chorus liked Creon, but by the end of the scene, their view has soured, as shown in lines 245 - 249.
4. The hyperbole in lines 308 - 312 involves people swearing on things that aren't relevant, and it implies a sense of desperation or over - eagerness to prove something.
5. Comparing lines 327 - 343 to 190 - 194, Creon's tone has likely shifted from perhaps more conciliatory or reasonable at the start to more authoritative or dismissive later.

Answer:

1. It likely means the country has overcome many difficulties like war and is now on a more stable course.
2. An effective ruler listens to and takes the best advice and puts the country first.
3. Initially they liked him, but by the end they did not.
4. The hyperbole implies desperation or over - eagerness.
5. His tone has likely shifted from more conciliatory to more authoritative or dismissive.