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Oedipus Rex

Oedipus Rex. by Sophocles. Sophocles. 496 – 406 B. C. his dramatic work portrayed misery and tragedy he also became a distinguished public official. OEDIPUS REX. a TRAGEDY is a serious drama featuring a main character who strives to achieve something and is ultimately defeated. OEDIPUS REX.

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Oedipus Rex

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  1. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

  2. Sophocles • 496 – 406 B. C. • his dramatic work portrayed misery and tragedy • he also became a distinguished public official

  3. OEDIPUS REX • a TRAGEDY is a serious drama featuring a main character who strives to achieve something and is ultimately defeated

  4. OEDIPUS REX • The main character’s downfall is often due to an inborn character flaw or weakness – the tragic flaw.

  5. OEDIPUS REX - Background • Peloponnesian War(431-404 BC) • Oedipus Rex was produced; Athens suffered from political instability and devastating plague.

  6. OEDIPUS REX - Background • Sophocles opens his play with a situation that the people of Athens could identify with: a plague with no end in sight

  7. OEDIPUS REX-Prologue • The city of Thebes is ravaged by plague • Citizens beg King Oedipus for help

  8. OEDIPUS REX-Prologue • Oedipus sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to the oracle of Apollo at Delphi.

  9. OEDIPUS REX-Prologue • Creon returns • Tells Oedipus plague will end when murderer of Laius is found

  10. MAIN CHARACTERS

  11. Teiresias • wise, old, blind prophet and servant of Apollo • knows everything

  12. Jocasta • the wife and mother of Oedipus • she tries to protect Oedipus from the awful truth

  13. Oedipus • protagonist • his name means “swollen-foot” • he inspires both pity and fear

  14. Oedipus • a hereditary cursehas been placed on his family, and he unknowingly has fulfilled the terms of the prophecy that he would kill his father (Laius) and marry his own mother (Jocasta)

  15. Oedipus • when he curses the murderer of Laius he is cursing himself and predicting his own exile

  16. Creon • brother of Jocasta (both brother and uncle to Oedipus) • Oedipus feels threatened by Creon and believes that he covets the throne • He has no desire to be king, and that Oedipus harms himself in making such accusations

  17. THEMES • quest for identity and truth • nature of innocence and guilt • nature of moral responsibility • Fate vs. free will • Excessive power and pride

  18. Imagery • references to light and darkness to predict the future

  19. Foreshadowing • sign or warning of what is to come in the future of the story

  20. Background • Oedipus was travelling to Thebes • He happened upon a monster who had taken control of city • If he were to destroy the monster, he would become king • He does just that and becomes king • A blight falls upon the city of Thebes

  21. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles • Greek mythology • Fate vs. free will (theme) • Plays were a form of entertainment • Can be complicated / take good notes! (write down anything important)

  22. Important Information: Oedipus Rex • Characters: • Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King): main character; blinded by power; prophecy says he will kill father and marry mother • Jocasta: wife and mother to Oedipus • Creon: brother-in-law and uncle to Oedipus; wants to help him • Teiresias: wise, old, blind prophet • Other characters: help to move plot along

  23. Background • As a baby, Oedipus’s parents sent him to a mountain to die (knew his prophecy and pinned feet together) • Man found him; took him to another city; king of city (Polybus) adopted him • When he grew up, he went on a journey • Arrived in Thebes; there was a monster (sphinx) • If he defeated sphinx, he would become king and marry queen • He does defeat the monster; becomes king, Thebes is ravaged by plague – citizens want him to help (play starts here)

  24. While reading… • What has more control: fate or free will? • What is Oedipus’s power doing to him? • Are the people around him acting morally? Is he? • How do Oedipus’s decisions affect his life? • Are people inherently good or evil based on your reading? • What lesson can we take away from this text?

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