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Oedipus the King Sophocles

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Birth year is unknown, but presumed to be the first few years after 500 BCE. Wrote Oedipus Rex around 430 BCE. Presumed to have died around 406 BCE. Lived through almost an entire century, including both the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars. As Athens rose to and fell from prominence. Wrote approximately 123 plays during his career, but only 7 survived the centuries of war, political tumult, and bureaucratic accident. Born in Colonos, near Athens and was a citizen of Athens. Significance: Athens was the cultural and artistic hub of Greece at the time. Frequent winner of Dionysian drama contests; numbers vary, but considered the elite playwright and dramaturge of his time

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Sophocles the Dramatist Hallmark: Complexity, Complexity, Complexity Plot: intricate, but easy to follow Characters: rich, distinct, psychologically and socially realized Setting: standard for Greek plays, minimal, rarely changing, courtly concerns Dialogue: triangulated, limited speeches Chorus: reduced role, more as commentators than elaborators Tragedy: consider personal interaction with surroundings, especially society Ethical Ends through downfall truth/lesson/growth considered by audience, not realized by characters

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Greek Drama Dionysian Festivals: Dionysus Culture of Festival/Competition Function of Plays was to challenge the audience Chorus: Original Function: Function in Sophocles Drama: Sets: Deus ex Machina: Gesture: A Play in 5 Parts Part 1: Prologue Exposition Part 2: Parodos Choruss Interpretation of Prologue Part 3: Episodia Episodes: moments of debate that heighten plays themes and advance the action Part 4: Stasimon Chorus response to episode Part 5: Exodus Last part of the play; final words

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Greek Tragedy Review: Aristotelian Tragedy Extraordinary Characters: great men/women Reasoning: If they can fall, anyone can Downfall: Circumstance or Error, Frailty, Flaw Reversal Extraordinary Circumstances: happiness to sorrow Recognition Public, not Private Events Reasoning: downfall must be a lesson to all who witness it Response: Character: sorrow and pain Audience: warning and empathy Dramatic Irony (Tragic Irony) Companion Terms Arete: Excellence of any kind Acrasia Acting against ones best judgment Hamartia Fatal flaw leading to downfall Peripeteia Reversal of fortunes Anagnorisis Moment of discovery/recognition Catastrophe Denoument, moment of disaster Catharsis Releasing of strong emotion to provide relief Hubris Extreme arrogance to point of downfall

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The Oedipus Cycle Sophocles most famous work are part of a trilogy (now believed to be a tetralogy with one missing work). The trilogy is often referred to as the Oedipus Cycle, the Theban Plays, or simply Oedipus. Part 1: Oedipus the King Part 2: Oedipus at Colonus Part 3: Antigone

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Oedipus the King : The Legend Background: An oracle prophesizes to Laius and Jocasta, the king and queen of Thebes, that their son will kill his father and marry his mother. Plan infanticide to avoid this fate: pierce and bind his feet and give the disposal/murder duty to a servant After an ethical crisis, the servant leaves the baby on a mountain rather than kill it by hand; a shepherd saves the baby and gives him to the childless King of Corinth Oedipus, meaning swollen foot, is raised as the Prince of Corinth Adult Oedipus hears another prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, so he decides to leave Corinth to avoid his fate On the road, he has a traffic accident and kills the other man, who turns out to be Laius. Later, he heroically solves the Riddle of the Sphinx, which lifts a curse from Thebes. Riddle of the Sphinx: What walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening? Answer: Man (crawling as a baby, walking as an adult, using a cane when elderly) He is rewarded with the crown and marriage to the widowed queen, who is his mother. Gross. Beginning of Oedipus the King: Thebes is several years into Oedipus and Jocastas prosperous reign, but a new plague has arrived. This new crisis will set up Oedipus on a journey for truth, justice, and renewed prosperity.

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Oedipus the King : Major Themes Primary Concern of Sophocles: Fate v. Free Will (Human Behavior/Response) Fate: divine plan or prescribed order of things, external circumstance Human Behavior/Response: cannot overcome fate or divine will of gods, but shapes the surrounding world Tragedy conveys ethical ends through destruction/downfalls Learning from mistakes is for the audience, not the characters Other Major Themes: Power and Politics Religion and Fidelity Family Dynamics Social Anxiety Response to Crisis Free Will Action and Consequence Leadership

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Oedipus the King : Dramatis Personae Oedipus: king of Thebes A Priest of Zeus Creon, brother of Jocasta, brother-in-law to Oedipus Chorus of Theban citizens Leader Tiresias, blind prophet/oracle Jocasta, queen of Thebes, wife of Oedipus Laius, first king of Thebes, first husband of Jocasta Messenger 1 from Corinth Shepherd Messenger 2 from palace of Thebes Antigone and Ismene, princesses of Thebes, daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta Guards/Attendants Priests of Thebes

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Prologue (p.639-45, ln 1-168) Oedipus Opening Speech: (ln 1-15) Who is Oedipus? Overtones: What does he explicitly say about himself? Subtext: What does he imply about himself? What do his words/gesture reveal about who he really is? What do his words/gestures about who he wants his audience to see him as? The Priests Speech: (ln 16-68) Setting and Context: What is happening in Thebes? To whom do the people turn? Character Development: What does the priest reveal about Oedipus the King and/or Oedipus the Man? Relation to Ethical Ends: What does the priest ask of Oedipus? How does he encourage the King to action? Oedipus Response: (ln 69-89) Rising to the Challenge: What is Oedipus response? How does he respond? What is the deeper implication of his response?

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Prologue (p.639-45, ln 1-168) Creons Arrival: (ln 90-106) How does Oedipus react to his arrival? Why does Creon hesitate to deliver the news? How does Oedipus respond to his hesitation? Implications: The Prophecy: Introduction of Conflict (Agon) (ln 107-164) How does Creon deliver the news? Implications: What is the problem that plagues Thebes? What is the solution to the problem? Implications: How does Oedipus initially respond to Creons story? What is his resolution at the end of the whole story? Implications: The Priests Conclusion: (ln 165-168) How does the priest contradict himself?

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Parodos (p.645-47, line 169-244) Function of Parodos: How does it work in this section? Major Themes: Tones: Moods: Ethical Ends:

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Episode 1 (ln 245-526) Opening Speech: (ln 245-314) First Remarks: (ln 245-7) Implications: First Promise: (ln 248-261) Audience: Content: Implications: Significance: Second Promise: (ln 262-5) Audience: Content: Implication: Significance: Third Promise(s): (ln 266-279) Audience: Content: Implication: Significance: Fourth Promise(s): (ln 280-7) Audience: Content: Implication: Significance: Resolution: (ln 288-306) Content: Implication: Significance: Prayer to Gods: (ln 307-315) Content: Implication: Significance:

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Episode 1 (ln 245-526) Exchange with the Leader: (ln 315-337) Leaders First Remarks: (ln 315-18) What is the tone/mood implied by the Leaders first sentence? What does this tell us about the tone/mood of Oedipus speech and his leadership style? Oedipus Response: (ln 318-20) On what point does Oedipus agree with the Leader? What does this indicate about Oedipus? How does this add to the tragedy of his inevitable downfall? Leaders Proposal and Oedipus Response: (ln 323-337) What does the Leader say about fear, and how does Oedipus correct him? Why are they both correct in this instance? Arrival of Tiresias: (ln 338-362) Oedipus First Remarks: (340-358) What does Oedipus unconsciously imply about himself when he says Tiresias can sense the suffering of his city, even through his blindness? What does Oedipus ask of Tiresias? Why is this problematic? Tiresias Rejection: (ln 359-396) Based on what he says, why does Tiresias decide to remain silent? Knowing what we know, why does Tiresias refuse to tell his truth to Oedipus? How does Oedipus respond to Tiresias silence? Why is he offended by Tiresias refusal? Why is this response and offense ironic?

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Episode 1 (ln 245-526) The Prophecy of Tiresias: (ln 398-432) What does Tiresias prophesize? How does he communicate this fate to Oedipus? How does Oedipus react? How does the tone of his reaction relate to the tone of Tiresias statements? How do their respective tones relate to the tragic elements of the play? Oedipus Post-Prophecy Speech: (ln 433-459) Who does Oedipus blame for Tiresias prophecy? Why is his conclusion troubling? What does this tell us about Oedipus the king? What are the tones and emotions of his speech? What does this tell us about Oedipus the man? Tiresias Responding Speech: (ln 464-489) What lessons or ideas does Tiresias attempt to teach Oedipus? What are some major ethical ends Sophocles presents to his audience through Tiresias? What is the intended effect of Tiresias acting as the speaker of these lessons? Or, why does Sophocles have Tiresias deliver these ethical ends? The Tension!: (ln 490-505) Why is Oedipus insulted by Tiresias comments? Why does Tiresias make them? What is the problem(s) created by their exchange? Tiresias Closing Remarks (ln 506-526) What are Tiresias final words? What is the tone of this delivery? Who is his intended audience? Why is this shift in audience significant (for the characters and the palys audience)?

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Stasimon 1 (ln 527-573) What does the Chorus initially hope for from Oedipus? What does the Chorus then indicate about Oedipus quest? How does this shift introduce, relate to, expand upon the plays major themes and ethical ends? What does the Chorus say about Tiresias and his prophecy? How do these comments introduce, relate to, expand upon the plays major themes and ethical ends? How does the Chorus conclude its song? What final truths or conclusions does the Chorus enforce in the final stanza? How do these comments introduce, relate to, expand upon the plays major themes and ethical ends?

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Episode 2 (ln 573-953) Creons First Speech: (ln 573-92) Why is he concerned? How does his response (or lack thereof) pose some problems? How does the leader respond? What is implied in his statement to not judge the ones in power? Oedipus Condemnation: (ln 593-690) Why does Oedipus suspect/accuse Creon? How is he justified and unjustified? What does this instance tell us about Oedipus? How does Creon react? How does he respond to/counter Oedipus accusations in tone and content? According to Creon, why would it be irrational for him to betray Oedipus for the motive of power or the crown? How does he potentially indict himself while also explain his innocence? What larger ethical end/advice does Creon give to Oedipus (and the audience)?

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Episode 2 (ln 573-953) The King Hath Spoken!: (693-750) How does Oedipus respond to Creons argument(s)? What does this response indicate about Oedipus? Why is he so insistent on his decision? What is Jocastas role in the Creon-Oedipus debate? Significance: What is the Chorus role in the Creon-Oedipus debate? Significance: What punishment does Oedipus decide? Why? Significance? What drives him to this lighter penalty? The Chorus supports Oedipus over Creon. Why? King and Queen, Husband and Wife, Son and Mother: (ln 767-846) Why does Oedipus cut off his first response to Jocasta? What piece of information does Jocasta give to Oedipus that unknowingly indicates his guilt? How does Oedipus react to the key revelation? Who does the story and the truth now depend on? Significance?

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Episode 2 (ln 573-953) Oedipus Resolution: (ln 847-923) Origin Story: Question of his birth: Who raised it? How did Oedipus react? What did his parents say in response to his follow up? Leaving Corinth: According to Oedipus, why did he leave? How does this begin to explain his reactions to Tiresias and Creon? How does this match with the origin story Sophocles audience already knew? When does Oedipus resolve to leave Corinth for good? What does this tell us about Oedipus the man? The Confession: How does Oedipus confess to the crime? How the nature of his confession consistent with the man weve come to know in the play? What realizations and conclusions does he draw about himself in the confession? How does Oedipus plan to solve the problem? Significance? Jocastas Reaction: (ln 931-953) What is Jocastas reaction to Oedipus confession, speech, and request for the witness? Why does Jocasta not believe the prophecy even after the confession? What does this reaction indicate about her and her role in the whole affair?

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Episode 3 (and 4) Quiz 1. At the start of the episode, the news of Polybuss death is shared with the Theban royalty. What does the Corinthian messenger want from Oedipus? 2. After receiving this news, who is Oedipus afraid of? 3. Who tries to talk Oedipus out of investigating the stories of the two shepherds? 4. How does Oedipus coerce a confession from the Theban shepherd? 5. According to him, why did the Theban shepherd give the baby to the Corinthian? Bonus: Oedipus admits guilt for the death of his adopted father in a sense. How does he think he is guilty?

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Episode 3 and Episode 4 Episode 3 (ln 998-1214) Episode 4 (ln 1215-1351) Fear Democracy Truth Love Obligation: Personal Social Identity: Merit or Birth, Nature or Nurture Knowledge Democracy Source of Truth Labor Gaining Knowledge: Means affect the ends? Class/Status Empathy

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Exodus Quiz 1. How does Jocasta punish herself? 2. How does Oedipus punish himself? 3. Who becomes the new ruler of Thebes? How is this person received by the people? 4. Before he leaves, who does Oedipus request to meet with? 5. Instead of banishment, what does the new ruler of Thebes initially try to do to help Oedipus? Bonus: With what tools does Oedipus punish himself?

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Exodus (ln 1352-1685) Messengers Arrival (ln 1352-1363) What is the function of having the Messenger and the Leader share the first exchange of Exodus? What does the Messenger say about Thebes and the source of its pains? How does this fit with the plays overarching ethical ends? A Message Most Foul (ln 1364-1422) Jocasta: Emotions: Action(s): Significance: Oedipus: Emotions: Action(s): Significance: Concluding Remarks: (ln 1416-22) Ethical End(s): Why does the Messenger share this news of Oedipus and Jocasta?

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Exodus (ln 1352-1685) A New Oedipus (ln 1430-1481) Why do the Messenger and the Chorus first comment on Oedipus appearance and behavior? What is the effect of their narration? How does Oedipus describe himself in his first lines of the scene? What is the significance of his new identity? According to Oedipus, who is responsible for his current fate? According to Oedipus, why is he blind? A Shift in Focus (ln 1481-1550) According to Oedipus, who is to blame for his current fate? How does Oedipus respond to the Chorus comments about blindness and death? What does his response reveal about his character? What does Oedipus want from the gods and people of Thebes? What is promising and/or problematic about his comments?

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Exodus (ln 1352-1685) Oedipus and Creon (ln 1551-1662) How does Creon first receive Oedipus? Why is this reaction both positive and negative? What does Creon ask of Oedipus, and how does Oedipus react? How is this reaction both positive and negative? Who does Oedipus request to see? How does Creon respond? What does this indicate about each character? What is Oedipus advice for Creon? What is his advice to his children? The Final Exchange (ln 1663-1678) Why does Creon agree to send Oedipus into exile? How does Oedipus respond when his desire is granted? What is Creons final comments to Oedipus? Denoument (ln 1679-1685) What is the purpose of the Chorus concluding remarks?