Antigone may be nearly 2,500 years old, but the play's themes are just as relevant today as they were when Sophocles first penned this gem. Church vs. State? Individual vs. Nature? Conflict between genders? Civil disobedience? Fate or free will? No doubt your students have dealt with one or more of these themes in their own lives (possibly even this week!), so they'll be able to identify with many of the issues Antigone presents. 

The play’s characters are also very easy to understand from a modern standpoint. It’s not hard for students to root for the upstart Antigone as she struggles to do what she thinks is right no matter the cost. Of course, it’s equally easy to understand Ismene, who just wants to avoid trouble. Even Creon is relatable as he desperately tries to maintain order in his war-torn city.