Antigone: The Structure of Classical Tragedy and The Theme The structure of classical tragedy supports the theme of Antigone. Unable to conform, Antigone chooses to honor the divine law of the gods over man’s law imposed by Creon. The play begins in medias res, the Latin term for in the middle of things. This is seen in Antigone’s first quote of the play beginning on line four, "… On us while we yet live? Unhappiness, Calamity, disgrace, dishonour—which of these have you and I not known?" The classical tragedy, by beginning in medias res, causes uneasiness within the audience. Though most viewers know the basic story li