How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
ANTIGONE. This land is sacred, as I would guess—teeming
With sweet bay, olive, and grapevine. Within, thick-feathered
Nightingales are singing sweetly. (16-18)
Antigone believes that the field she and her father have come to is sacred, ruled by supernatural powers. Her clues are the edible plants that grow there as well as the nightingales that live inside. The land appears to be life supporting, so she thinks that gods must be protecting it.
Quote #2
STRANGER. Before you inquire further, go out of this place where you are
Sitting! For you occupy hallowed ground on which it is not permitted to treat! (36-37)
The stranger must protect the sacred field, but he recognizes that Oedipus and Antigone must be outsiders. He warns them that it’s dangerous for them to be in the field because it’s “hallowed” or holy. It’s kind of like our tradition of not walking over graves, out of respect for the departed.
Quote #3
STRANGER. It is not to be touched or inhabited. For the Fearsome
Goddesses possess it, Daughters of the Earth and Darkness. (39-40)
So now the stranger gets a little bit more specific, and it’s not that comforting. The sacred field isn’t just a hallowed grove; it’s ruled by some deities with terrifying names: the Fearsome Goddesses, Daughters of the Earth and Darkness. No, the stranger’s not talking about the latest death metal girl group—he's talking about the Furies, who are in charge of making sure crime doesn’t pay.