Oedipus the King 1 Anticipation Guide 2 Characteristics

Oedipus the King 1. Anticipation Guide 2. Characteristics of a Sophocles Tragedy 3. A Greek Tragedy Structure 4. The Role of the chorus 5. The Sphinx’s Riddle 6. Oedipus Myth

Characteristics of a Sophocles tragedy: (1)It is based on events that already took place and with which the audience is familiar. (2)The protagonist is a person of noble stature. (3)The protagonist has a weakness and, because of it, becomes isolated and suffers a downfall. (4)Because the protagonist's fall is not entirely his or her own fault, the audience may end up pitying him or her.

Characteristics of a Sophocles tragedy: (5) The fallen protagonist gains self-knowledge. He has a deeper insight into himself and understands his weakness. (6) The audience undergoes catharsis, a purging of emotions, after experiencing pity, fear, shock and other strong feelings. The people go away feeling better. (7) The drama usually unfolds in one place in a short period of time, usually about a day.

Greek Tragedy Structure I. Prologue: Spoken by one or two characters before the chorus appears. • The prologue usually gives the background information needed to understand the events of the play. II. Parodos: the song sung by the chorus as it makes its entrance III. Episodes/Scenes: the main action of the play

Greek Tragedy Structure IV. Odes: a song (and often dance) that reflects on the events of the episodes, and weaves the plot into a cohesive whole A. Choragos: the leader of the chorus who often interacts with the characters in the scenes B. Chorus: the singers/dancers who remark on the action 1. strophe: the movement of the chorus from right to left across the stage 2. antistrophe: the reaction to the strophe, which moves across the stage from left to right.

Greek Tragedy Structure V. Paean : sung by the chorus as it makes its final exit, which usually offers words of wisdom related to the actions and outcome of the play VI Exodus: a prayer of thanksgiving to Dionysus in whose honor the Greek plays were performed

Role of the Chorus 1) to explain the action 2) to interpret the action in relation to the law of the state and the law of the Olympian gods 3) to foreshadow the future 4) to serve as an actor in the play 5) to sing and/or dance 6) to give the author's views

The Sphinx’s Riddle • "What goes on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening? “

OEDIPUS MYTH • Laius and Jocasta (childless king and queen of Thebes) • Told by Apollo their son would kill father and marry mother • When son born→ Laius hobbles him and sends him away to die w/shepherd • Shepherd gives to another shepherd from Corinth • Corinth shepherd gives child to his childless king and queen • They name him Oedipus (swollen foot)

OEDIPUS MYTH • Oedipus grows up; at banquet, drunk man says he’s not real son • Oedipus goes to oracle of Apollo to find out • Prophecy of murder/incest repeated • Oedipus won’t go home • Comes to place in road; attacked by driver of chariot; Oedipus kills him, old man (Laius) in chariot, and others (except one). • Oedipus arrives at Thebes

OEDIPUS MYTH • City had been plagued by Sphinx; Oedipus solves riddle of Sphinx • Oedipus marries Jocasta, becomes king of Thebes; Has two daughters and sons • Plague breaks out; people die, crops die • Thebans pray; priests beg Oedipus to