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

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

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

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

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

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

MAIN CHARACTERS

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

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

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

Oedipus a hereditary curse has 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)

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

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

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

Imagery references to light and darkness to predict the future

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

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

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)

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

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)

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?