1. As the playwright Sophocles, defend your reasoning for choosing to portray the legend of Oedipus in dramatic format. Consider the following in your argument: the values and beliefs of your culture, the history of Greek literature and the theater, and the influences upon your writing. Why did you feel that Oedipus was the best subject matter for your play? Why was the drama the most appropriate medium for the story?

Why did you feel that Oedipus was the best subject matter for your play?  Legendary hero – has a lot to lose; everyone knows who he is  Doubted the gods – people are beginning to believe that man’s reason is greater than the gods’; the lesson will be strong and is a message the audience needs to hear  Audience beliefs – While some are beginning to doubt, others still have beliefs in the gods; they will identify with the importance of Apollo and the oracles

Why was the drama the most appropriate medium for the story?  Dramatic irony – The fact that the audience is already aware of information about Oedipus’ fate will build the irony and suspense in the story  Festival Production – Since people are attending the festival to honor the gods, the message of the importance to keep honoring the gods should be strong and clear

2. According to Aristotle, the purpose of tragedy is, “to arouse pity and fear in the audience, and so create a catharsis—cleansing of emotions— that will enlighten people about life and fate.” As the audience watches the fate of the tragic hero unfold, Aristotle believes they will recognize in it the universal human plight. Keeping these ideas in mind, discuss the journey of Oedipus as it pertains to Aristotle’s definition. How is Oedipus the epitome of the tragic hero?

Journey of Oedipus:  Saves Thebes from Sphinx – Makes him a hero; builds expectations of the audience—they will have more pity for him when he falls  Becomes King of Thebes – Gives him high position, wealth, and power—he will have a lot to lost, making him an ideal tragic hero  Promises to help Thebes be rid of the plague – Makes the audience want him to succeed that much more

Journey of Oedipus (cont’d):  Begins the search for the murderer of Laius – This begins the fear in the audience that Oedipus will discover he IS the murderer  Learns that the people he thought were his parents are not his truth birth parents – Builds suspense and more dramatic irony as Oedipus grows closer to the truth; adds to the pity the audience has and will have for him

Journey of Oedipus (cont’d):  Discovers the ultimate truth and loses his family, his position, and his eyesight – This causes the final fear and pity for the audience and sends the message and warning home