Oedipus the King

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

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

3. 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.

4. Greek Tragedy Structure • 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

5. 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.

6. Greek Tragedy Structure V. PaeaExodos: 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

7. Role of the Chorus • to explain the action • to interpret the action in relation to the law of the state and the law of the Olympian gods • to foreshadow the future • to serve as an actor in the play  • to sing and/or dance • to give the author's views

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

9. OEDIPUS MYTH • Laiusand 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)

10. 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

11. 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 save them