You have been summoned by a Greek oracle to have your future
told to youwhat news does she impart to you concerning your fate
and your destiny? Journal EntryImagine
Slide 3
The keenest sorrow is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause
of all our adversities- Sophocles
http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/32970.html Sophocles
Slide 4
Insight needed 1. Who was Sophocles? 2. What seems to be
Sophocles philosophy towards tragedy itself? Tragedy refers
primarily to tragic drama that emphasizes the imperfection of human
beings whose suffering is brought on by a combination of human and
divine actions. A tragic hero/protagonist is the recipient of this
suffering who acknowledges he/she has in someway displeased/angered
the gods and must make retribution for his/her actions.
Sophocles Greek Dramatist: Posthumously honored as a hero.
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ab&cp=6&gs_id=s&xhr=t&q=sophocles&bav=on.2,or.r_
qf.&bvm=bv.51495398,d.cWc&biw=1366&bih=594&u
m=1&ie=UTF-
8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=QKI
kUpTTMdOssASKtoCADA
Slide 7
Sophocles: Playwright Born 496 BCDied 406 BC Athens Greece
ParentsParents: SophilusSophilus Father thought to be a wealthy
nobleman Grew up in town of Colonus and educated in Athens
Sophocles is one of three ancient Greek tragedians whose plays have
survived. His first plays were written later than those of
Aeschylus, and earlier than or contemporary with those of Euripides
Public Office: Managed treasury of Greeks-Delian League Strategos
General of Samian War(441- 439BC) and Archidamian War (431- 421BC)
Seven Complete tragedies: Oedipus Tyrannes, Oedipus at Colonus,
Antigone, Electra, Trachinia, Ajax & Philoctetes Fragments of
90 others approximatley survived Religious Office: priest of
Halon,helped introduce cult of Asciepius, god of medicine to
Athens.
Slide 8
The Greek Gods The Olympian gods were the main gods of Ancient
Greece. After overthrowing their ancestors, the Titans, the
Olympian gods became the rulers of the World (Cosmos), representing
the civilization of the world. The leader of the Olympian gods was
Zeus.TitansZeus The gods were born and grew just like human beings,
some of them even married, however they were unaging and death
never came to them. They lived inside human-like bodies with an
ethereal fluid called ichor running through the veins. They had
passions and human weaknesses and were many times at fault, but
were then obliged to take the full responsibility of their actions.
Greek myths always refer to the twelve Gods of Mount Olympus, but
actually, in total there were more Olympian Gods in Greek
Mythology. However, there were never more than twelve at one time.
The four alternative gods were Hestia, Hades, Dionysus and Demeter,
depending on the location.Mount
OlympusHestiaHadesDionysusDemeter
Slide 9
Mount Olympus The Olympian gods majestically and democratically
dwelled on Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, built by
the Cyclopes.Mount OlympusCyclopes
Slide 10
Slide 11
Characteristics of the gods Did you know 1. Were born and grew
just like human beings 2. Some of them even married 3. Never agedno
need for Botox! 4. Never diedimmortalthey could always get even! 5.
They lived inside human-like bodies with an ethereal fluid called
ichor running through the veins. IMAGINE! 6.They had passions and
human weaknesses and were many times at faulttheir lives were like
soap operas!! 7.BUT they had to take the full responsibility of
their actions and suffered punishment and retribution.
Slide 12
Slide 13
Glossary of Terms Agon: is the Greek word for 'conflict.' City
Dionysia: Dionysia, a festival held in Athens, which includes a
tragedy competition. Dramatic irony: a situation in which the
characters on stage do not know something (or some of them do not
know something) which the audience does know. Dramatic irony recurs
throughout Oedipus - for instance, when the Messenger suggests that
he never killed the young baby that Jocasta had given him,
signifying that he clearly had grown up to become Oedipus the King.
Oedipus, however, does not realize this until much later. Oikos:
the Greek word for 'household' or 'house' - often used to mean
'bloodline' or 'family'. It is the opposite to 'polis'. Polis:
usually translated to 'city-state', but as well as literally
referring to the city, it can also be the Greek word for
'citizenship', or 'body of citizens'. Satyr play: is the fourth,
probably comic, play that would have been performed after a trilogy
and written by the same author. The only surviving satyr play is
Euripides' Cyclops. Skene: the permanent stone building at the back
of the stage in which costumes and props could be stored, and which
served variously as the internal locations that the play might
require (houses, tents, etc.). Thebes: is the city in which the
play is set and is often set up in classical literature as the
'other' or 'opposite' to Athens, where the City Dionysia took
place.
Slide 14
Literary Devices: Know your terms! Found in your glossary hand
out and given in slides that follow Irony Situational irony Verbal
irony Dramatic irony: The audience know more about the characters
situation than the character does Hubris Catharsis Pathos Moira:
Prologue Parodos Episode Odes Exodus Archetype
Slide 15
Literary Devices Irony & Hubris Irony: A literary device in
which an audience can perceive hidden meanings unknown to the
characters. Verbal irony: occurs when what a character says or
thinks he or she means is actually different from what the audience
perceives is meant. Dramatic irony: audience knows more about the
characters situation than the character does. Hubris : tragic flaw,
pride, error in judgment).
What does the name Oedipus mean? Is it an example of
foreshadowing? Answer: Swollen foot How is symbolic? Scarred Has
fate marked him from birth? Has it set him apart? Has Apollo
ensured his fate by constraining his movements since birth ?
Slide 21
Oedipus at the Oracle The Oracle tells him: You will grow up to
kill your father and marry your mother. Terrified at this prophecy,
Oedipus vows leaves never Corinth. Believing Polybus and Merope are
his real parents, he swears never to return to Corinth. During his
travels, Oedipus comes to a place where three roads meet.
Slide 22
Where Three Roads Meet: How is it an example of Symbolism?
Slide 23
Encounters King Laius He encounters the royal company of King
Laius. Oedipus refuses to step aside to let them pass. The Kings
chariot driver rides over Oedipus foot. In a fit of rage, Oedipus
kills everyone in sight, except for one servant who escaped.
Unbeknownst to Oedipus, he killed his own father fulfilling part of
his destiny. Oedipus continues his journey.
Introducing something to sing about The Greek Chorus
Slide 26
Background to Greek Theater Greek Tragedy Characteristics of
Classical Greek Tragedy: I.Prologue II.Parodos III. Chorus IV.
Episodes V. Odes VI. Exodus
Slide 27
Greek Chorus in Oedipus
https://www.google.c+oedipus&oq=greek+chorus+in+oedipus&gs_l=img.12...1701.8321.0.10250.23.14.0.9.9.0.175.2128.0j14.14.0....0...1ac.1.27.img..7.16.214a/search?hl=en&site=im
ghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=594&q=greek+chorus+in5.r5S-D8OW0Gw
Slide 28
The Greek Chorus Began as large as 50, then smaller in size as
actors become more predominate ( sometimes asmall as 5). They
provided time for: scene changes introduced background Gave summary
information. Acts as a spectator to the action. Asks questions,
takes part in the play Heightens dramatic effect through movement,
song and dance Rhythmical Function- pauses/paces the action so
audience can reflect and actors can rest/prepare * slide from Mrs.
Chaulk PPT
Slide 29
The Chorus Song: Job of the chorus who sang their lines - Odes.
Strophe Antistrophe The strophe was sung as chorus moved from right
to left ( movement on the stage) The antistrophe was sung as they
moved from left to right. This provide visual symmetry and balance-
what was equal on one side of the stage had to be equal on the
other side of the stage as the chorus moved in the opposite
direction.
Slide 30
Functions of the Chorus To fulfill four functions in Greek
Tragedy: 1.To provide a passage in TIME 2.To express PUBLIC OPINION
3.EXPOSITION- to explain the action or fill in information 4.To
establish the MOOD and comment on the significance of the ACTION.
The chorus also provide a moral or religious function to the drama
reminding people that plays were written for the gods and
illustrated that divine law was above mortal/state law. The
dramatic function of the chorus is to exemplify and stress emotions
of the drama: grief, anguish, pain, suffering, fears and
hopes.
Slide 31
Examples of the chorus fulfilling the functions of tragedy 1.To
provide a passage in time 2.To express public opinion 3.Exposition
4. To establish mood & comment on significance of the action.
5. The chorus provided a moral lesson. p. p.
1.Example:_______________________ 2.
Example:_______________________ 3. Example:________________________
4.Example:_________________________ 5. Quote last entry:
Slide 32
Catharsis To achieve purgation of emotions means to achieve
catharsis -the emotional bonding of the audience to the characters.
Catharsis is the emotional release in drama or art - the feeling of
repressed emotion. It means the audience is drawn emotionally into
the drama and feels with and for the tragic hero.
Slide 33
Catharsis can only be achieved if the following points are met:
i) the hero accepts responsibility for his downfall because of a
tragic flaw (hubris, pride, error in judgment). ii) order is
restored at the conclusion of the drama as the consequence of the
catastrophe (a disastrous happening, event and/or end). iii) the
audience feels horror and pity at the plight of the hero- his/her
destruction and the punishment of those who are innocent. The
audience experiences pathos iv) the dignity of man is shown v) the
audience sees the relentlessness of fate- the gods
Slide 34
Catharsis The audience feels horror and pity at the plight of
the hero- his/her destruction and the punishment of those who are
innocent. The audience experiences pathos
Slide 35
Pathos, Moira, Foil Pathos: the emotional quality in a work
that arouses pity, sadness or compassion, and/or sympathy. An
experience which arouses feelings of fear, pity, sympathy and
compassion. Moira: stems from the Greek word for fate. Foil: a
character whose qualities or actions serve to emphasize those of
another character (protagonist)provides a strong contrast to that
character. Archetype: a recurrent symbol or motif in literature or
art. For example, Oedipus, the tragic hero, Teiresias the wise, old
manany others? May be a character type, theme, image or particular
pattern of events.
Slide 36
Please Put away all phones
Slide 37
Time : Set in the mythical past of ancient GreeceTime Place:
Colonus in Colonus (near Athens). 15 years later
Slide 38
Tone Tragic Fearful Ominous Find evidence from the text Diction
Dialogue Quotes
Slide 39
Slide 40
Breakdown of Play Applicable Lines Prologue Parodos 1 st
Episode (develops the main action) 1 st Stasimon (song) 2 nd
Episode 2 nd Stasimon 3 rd Episode 3 rd Stasimon 4 th Episode 4 th
Stasimon Exodus lines 1-150 lines 151-215 lines 216-462 lines
463-511 lines 518-862 lines 863-910 lines 911-1082 lines 1083-1112
lines 1113-1185 lines 1186-1222 lines 1223-1530
Slide 41
Prologue The purpose of the prologue was to explain events that
took place before the action of the play. It is a scene which
usually introduces the conflict of the play. Sophocles reveals this
information through dialogue ( his contemporaries often used
monologues).
Slide 42
Parodos Parodos: The Parodos follows the Prologue and marked
the entrance of the Chorus. The Chorus is responsible for
introducing themselves, exposing central drama and establishing the
right mood. The chorus is a participating character in Sophocles
plays. The group often interacts with principal characters,
engaging in dialogue. The choragus, or chorus leader, often speaks
for the entire chorus in the moments. They usually fulfill four
functions in Greek Tragedy: 1. To provide a passage in TIME 2. To
express PUBLIC OPINION 3. EXPOSITION- to explain the action or fill
in information 4. To establish the MOOD and comment on the
significance of the ACTION.
Slide 43
Scene 1:Ode I Ode 1: The episode, anywhere from three to six,
develop the main action. The episodes are separated by the odes -
choral songs or stasima. The odes supply exposition, comment on the
action, and contribute to thematic development. They can also
suggest a passage of time. Remember the odes are sung by the chorus
so note the previous information concerning the four functions of
the chorus. List the issues discussed in first ode. ( #12 Question
on sheet)
Slide 44
Scene 2 Sophocles is a master of exposition, and the speeches
of Jocasta and Oedipus (concerning their respective pasts) are
excellent example of his craft. Show how this statement is true.
https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=594&q=oedipus+and+jocasta+relationship&oq=oedipus+and+jocasta&gs_l=img.1.1.0l2j0i24l2.1313.5914.0.7
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Slide 45
Scene 2:Ode II Ode II Ode II: Of what does Ode II warn against?
Why is the oracle of Delphi important? How does one attain
revelation? Question #22 on your sheet
Slide 46
Scene 3, Ode III How does this ode show that the chorus views
their king (as King Oedipus view himself) as a child of luck and
good fortune? (Question #30 on sheet)
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8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=70RIUo3_H5ev4AOK2oDwDw#hl=en&q=oedipus+self+image&tbm=isch&um=1&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Xb8ABhQ74uaqZM%3A%3
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s%252Foedipusplot.html%3B640%3B480
Slide 47
Scene 4: Ode 4 How does the chorus react in the fourth choral
ode to Oedipus turn of fortune? (Question #35) How does the chorus
expand on the theme of illusion and reality? (Question #36)
Slide 48
Jocasta Her own hand did it. You have not seen, And shall not
see, this worst, shall suffer the less. But I that saw, will
remember, and will tell what I remember Of her last agony. P.
60
Slide 49
Oedipus to Chorus I ask to be no other man /Than that I am, and
will know who I am.p.55
Slide 50
Oedipus The king saw too, and with heart-rending groans Untied
the rope, and laid her to the ground. But worse was yet to see. Her
dress pinned With golden brooches, which the king snatched out And
thrust, from full arms length, -into his eyes Eyes that should no
longer see his shame, his guilt, (p.61)
Slide 51
Exodus Why do the plays most violent acts occur off stage?
(Question #37)
Slide 52
Denouement What finally happens to everyone? Jocasta Oedipus
Creon
Slide 53
Chorus: Then learn that mortal man must always look to his
ending p. 68
Brainstorming List the complications: ComplicationMatch to
literary device
Slide 56
Structure of Greek Drama and Sophocles Plays The structure of
Greek Drama: 1. Violence and death offstage 2. Frequent use of
messengers to relate information 3. Usually a single place
(setting) 4. Stories based on myth or history, but varied
interpretations of both Characteristics of a Sophocles play: 1.
Emphasis on individual characters 2. Reduced role of the Chorus 3.
Complex characters, psychological well-motivated 4. Characters
subjected to crisis which leads to suffering and self- recognition
5. Common Theme: The choices people make and consequences Slide
courtesy of Mrs. Chaulk
Slide 57
GROUP DISCUSSION Groups of 4 What role do the gods play in
fate, destiny and free will? Fate and Destiny: If fate and destiny
determines everything an individual will do before they are born,
as Oedipus the King suggests, then of what crime is Oedipus guilty?
If you believe in fate can you believe in free will?
Slide 58
Conflict The major conflict of Oedipus the King arises when
Teiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus is responsible for the plague,
and Oedipus refuses to believe him. The major conflict of Oedipus
at Colonus is between Oedipus and Creon. Creon has been told by the
oracle that only Oedipuss return can bring an end to the civil
strife in ThebesOedipuss two sons, Eteocles and Polynices, are at
war over the throne. Oedipus, furious at Thebes for exiling him,
has no desire to return.
Slide 59
Conflict between Oedipus and Teiresias Read pp.34-38 Note
Oedipus responses The major conflict of Oedipus the King: Teiresias
tells Oedipus that Oedipus is responsible for the plague, and
Oedipus refuses to believe him. As the soothsayer says You are the
cursed polluter of this land. P.35 The truth is my defense. P.35 I
say the killer you are seeking is yourself. P.36
Slide 60
External Conflict External-the gods are angry! You too have
seen our citys affliction, caught in a tide of death from which
there is no escaping- Death in the fruitful flowering of her soil,
Death in the pastures; Death in the womb of woman; And pestilence -
Priest to Oedipus p.26-his plea continues - Save, Save our city,
and keep her safe forever The banishment of a man, or payment of
blood for blood./For the shedding of the blood is the cause of our
citys perilWe has a king,sir, before you came to lead us./His name
was LaiusHe was killed. And clearly the message of the gods
command/Is that we bring the unknown killer to justice.- Creon to
Oedipus p.28
Slide 61
Against the gods and society Oedipus: "Lead me quickly away out
of this land. I am lost, hated of gods, no man so damned. p.63
Other examples:
Slide 62
Interpersonal Oedipus: "Creon! Was this trick his, then if not
yours?p.36 Teiresias: You are the cursed polluter of this land.
p.35 Discuss
Slide 63
Internal Conflict Oedipus: "O light! May I never look on you
again, revealed as I am, sinful in my begetting, Sinful in
marriage, sinful in shedding of blood." p.58 Oedipus: Out of this
land, out of the sight of man. p.65 Brainstorm examples
Slide 64
Irony Irony of Oedipus decree What ironies underline the
messengers appearance? Add to irony page. (#24) Reasons for irony:
Creates supense Character relevation Illustrates theme Illustrates
foreshadowing
Slide 65
Dramatic Irony Find examples of dramatic irony and cite
respective quotes: 1. Creon: Good news. That Is to say that good
may come/Even out of painful matters, if all goes well.p.28 2.
Oedipus: And it is my solemn prayer/That the unknown murderer, and
his accomplices, If such there be, may wear the brand of shame/For
their shameful act, unfriended,to their lifes end. /Nor do I exempt
myself from the imprecation" p.32 3. Oedipus :Now that I hold the
place that he once held-/His bed, his wife-whose children, had fate
so willedI man to fight for him now, as I would fight /For my own
father, and leave no way untried/To bring to light the killer of
Laius. pp.32-33
Slide 66
Dramatic Irony Oedipus to Chorus:I mean to fight for him now,
as I would fight for my own father. P.33 Discuss
Slide 67
Irony Does it have a reversal of situation- peripeteia -
reversal of fortune? Discuss
Slide 68
Oedipus You Tube Video
Slide 69
Aristotle Greek Philosopher 384-322 B.C. Used Greek drama to
establish characteristics of tragedy Words from Aristotle
Tragedy...is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete,
and of a certain magnitude- through pity and fear, effecting the
proper purgation emotions. Characteri stics of tragedy All tragedy
MUST have song, spectacle, thought, plot, diction and
characters.
Slide 70
Definition of a Tragic Hero A tragic hero is someone of high or
noble birth, virtuous but not preeminently just, who through some
flaw (hubris), precipitates his/her own destruction and therefore
gains knowledge through suffering. Tragic Figure: 1. Noble birth or
high position......................... has something to lose 2.
Virtuous or essentially good..........................motivation is
unselfish/ good for the state 3. Tragic flaw or
weakness.............................. hubris- stubborn/excessive
pride 4. Individual learns lesson through suffering..... learns and
admits he/she is wrong->self-knowledge and accepts
responsibility and lives with guilt of actions
Oedipus as a Tragic Hero-give examples Definition of a Tragic
Hero: A tragic hero is someone of high or noble birth, virtuous but
not preeminently just, who through some flaw (hubris), precipitates
his/her own destruction and therefore gains knowledge through
suffering. Tragic Figure: 1. Noble birth or high
position...................... has something to lose 2. Virtuous or
essentially good...motivation is unselfish/ good for the state 3.
Tragic flaw or weakness................ Hubris (stubborn/excessive
pride) 4. Individual learns lesson through suffering..... learns
and admits he/she is wrong (self-knowledge and accepts
responsibility and lives with guilt of actions)
Slide 73
Oedipus 1. Find examples and quotes that show the development
of Oedipus for all the stages that follow and connect development
to proving Oedipus as classical tragic hero Initial character Of
noble birth / high position - Virtuous How are we introduced to
him? Savior of city of Thebes Solver of riddles-Sphinx and Bent on
discovering the truth- murder of Laius to save city from pestilence
and plague to placate the gods.
Slide 74
How he engages in conflict 2. Conflict Conspiracy theory Rash
and proud of power ? Suspicious of those around him: Tiresias -?
Creon-?
Slide 75
Character change continued Confident in own intelligence
Disdainful of prophecy- Teiresias Example: Disdainful of prophecy-
Teiresias
Slide 76
Forces of Change Oedipus quest for truth brings tragedy Hubris-
What is his tragic flaw? Oedipus downfall occurs Confident in own
intelligence Disdainful of prophecy- Teiresias His suspicion of
others proves to be an error in judgment Ex: Teiresias Creon
Inscrutability of power and divine purpose proven- Oracles and
Teiresias proven to be true- vindicated
Slide 77
Character Changecan you find quotes to support? Appalled by
truth but still determined to face it Self knowledge Humbled and
accepting of his shame Grateful to others and trusting Laments his
ignorance Respects power of fate, gods and prophets Wisdom gained
through suffering
Slide 78
Review of Characters Key players: Role of Oedipus, Jocasta,
Creon and Teiresias
http://www.litcharts.com/lit/oedipus-rex/characters
Slide 79
Character- Oedipus Oedipus to Thebes: I grieve for you, my
children. pg 27 Oedipus Long before the play begins, Oedipus became
king of Thebes by solving the riddle of the Sphinx. His sharp mind
and quickness to action have made him an admired and successful
leader. When the priests come to petition him after a plague
strikes the city, he has already set into motion two plans to deal
with the city's crisis. Throughout the play, he makes decisions
boldly and quickly, if not always wisely. In his attempts to
discover the truth about the murder of Laius, he falsely accuses
Creon and Teiresias of treachery, and even forces the reluctant
shepherd to tell his story, which publicly reveals Oedipus to be
the murderer and husband of his own mother. The same leadership
skills that have brought him fame and successdecisive action, a
desire to solve mysteries using his intellectdrive him to his own
destruction.
Slide 80
Quotes revealing character and tragedy of Oedipus Priest: Your
diligence saved us once save our city, and keep her safe
foreverp.26 Oedipus to Thebes: I grieve for you, my children. p.27
Oedipus to Chorus: I mean to fight for him now, as I would fight
for my own father. p. 33 Chorus to audience: Never therefore, will
I consent to think him other than good. p.39 Creon to Oedipus: Can
you believe this obstinacy does you any good? p.40 Chorus to
Oedipus: Good words; and fitting for a prudent man p.42 Chorus to
audience: O Oedipus, that proud head. p.59 Chorus to audience:
Oedipus, greatest of menwas envied by all his fellow-men for his
great prosperity p.68 Slide courtesy of Mrs. Chaulk
Slide 81
Jocasta Jocasta Wife of Oedipus. Also, mother of Oedipus. When
the play begins, she no longer believes in the prophecies of seers.
She tries to convince Oedipus not to worry about what Teiresias
says. As more evidence points toward the probability that Oedipus
has in fact fulfilled a terrible prophecy, she begs him not to dig
any further into his past. He will not be persuaded. Realizing that
her son killed her first husband, that she is now married to her
son, and that Oedipus is about to bring all of this to light,
Jocasta takes her own life.
Slide 82
Creon Creon Brother of Jocasta. Whereas Oedipus is the
charismatic leader who speaks openly in front of his people, Creon
is more political and perhaps more scheming. Creon is offended and
alarmed when Oedipus accuses him of treason, but he speaks calmly
and tries to show the error of the accusation by appealing to
Oedipus's sense of reason. At the end of the play, however, he is
more than willing to step into the power vacuum after Oedipus's
terrible fate has been revealed. Even then, however, he cautiously
makes sure to follow the dictates of the gods, rather than to
trying to resist fate as Oedipus has done.
Slide 83
Teiresias Teiresias The blind prophet or seer. He knows that
the terrible prophecy of Oedipus has already come true, but doesn't
want to say what he knows. Only when Oedipus accuses him of
treachery does Teiresias suggest that Oedipus himself is guilty of
the murder of King Laius. He leaves Oedipus with a riddle that
implies, plainly enough for the audience to understand, that
Oedipus has killed his father and married his mother.
Slide 84
The Chorus The Chorus In this play, the chorus represents the
elder citizens of Thebes, reacting to the events of the play. The
chorus speaks as one voice, or sometimes through the voice of its
leader. It praises, damns, cowers in fear, asks or offers advice,
and generally helps the audience interpret the play.
Slide 85
Minor Characters Foil and contrast Use character analysis chart
from graphic organizer)
Slide 86
Priest A Priest He comes to the royal house to tell Oedipus of
the city's suffering and to ask Oedipus to save Thebes once more.
Priest: Let us pray at Phoebus, From whom the answer came, himself
may come To save and deliver out of her heavy
afflictions.(p.30)
Slide 87
Messenger A Messenger The messenger from Corinth informs
Oedipus that King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth were not his
actual parents. The messenger himself gave Oedipus as a baby to the
Corinthian king and queen. He got the baby from a Theban shepherd
whom he met in the woods. Oedipus's ankles were pinned together at
the timein Greek, the name "Oedipus" means "swollen ankles.
Messenger: The infirmity in your ankle tells the tale p.54
Slide 88
Shepherd A Shepherd The former servant of King Laius who took
pity on the baby Oedipus and spared his life. The shepherd was also
an eyewitness to the death of King Laius. When Oedipus commands the
shepherd to tell him what he knows about Oedipus's origins, the
shepherd refuses, and only relents under punishment of death.
Slide 89
Antigone & Ismene Antigone Daughter of Oedipus and
half-sister of Oedipus. Still a small child in Oedipus Rex,
Antigone appears at the end to bid farewell to her father. She is
the main character of Sophocles's Antigone. Ismene Daughter of
Oedipus and half-sister of Oedipus. Like Antigone, Ismene is a
small child and appears only at the end of the play when her father
says goodbye to her.
Slide 90
Imagery Sight versus blind imagery Insight Find three examples
and quote reference of blind imagery: Oedipus Teiresias Chorus
Slide 91
Symbols Oedipus foot Three roadway cross Explain
Slide 92
Tragic Discuss: Setting, Mood, Atmosphere & Tone
Slide 93
Chorus: Sons and daughters of Thebes, behold: this was Oedipus,
Greatest of men; he held the key to the deepest mysteries p.68
Slide 94
Themes Fate and destiny: The fate and destiny of the individual
lies in the hands and will of the divine gods. Knowledge is only
gained through suffering Suffering is necessary if wisdom and
self-knowledge are to be attained and the gods to be appeased.
Truth is desirable over illusion for the achievement of self-
realization, self- knowledge and wisdom ( one cannot ignore the
truth such Jocasta & Oedipus tried to do) To know thyself is to
know truth. Wisdom and love of the gods are the only means to
happiness. The obedience to the gods- the unwritten law-comes
before and above the state.
Slide 95
What Dante wrote about Banishment- You shall leave everything
you love most. This is the arrow that the bow of exile shoots
first. 17 th Canto of Paradise The Divine Comedy
