2) Sophocles, Oedipus Rex
Here you can reflect on this masterpiece of Greek theater, with its rising action, constant use of irony, and fatalistic, naturalistic philosophical themes. First, give a clear summary that answers all of the following plot questions.
- How does Oedipus ascend to the throne of Thebes, and what happens at the crossroads where three roads meet?
- What crimes does Teiresias know Oedipus is guilty of, and how does the king respond?
- What events lead up to his final exile?
Next, answer all of the following analysis/interpretation questions:
- In practical and philosophical terms, what is Oedipus trying to do by fleeing Corinth?
- How do the various plot details model irony? Give at least two examples.
- What lesson(s) would a Greek audience have drawn from the story?
The filmed performance and the script (Yeats translation) are in Module 6, of course.
5 pages (min. 1500 word count), 1” margins, double-spaced, 10/12 pt. type. Use at least two outside sources (cited).
0 comments