OEDIPUS REX by Sophocles (430 BCE)

THEA 225

from Norton text

Prologue: Oedipus & Priests

1.
2.

Why do people of Thebes turn to Oedipus for help?

What is the advice from Delphi in regards to Thebes plague?

Parodos: Entrance of Chorus (Citizens of Thebes)

3. Identify an important Action of Chorus
Scene 1
6.
7.
8.
9.

State lines from Oedipus which seals his own fate.

Why is Teiresias sought?
Why has Teiresias hesitated in coming (quote him)?
What Teiersias lines describe Oedipus as being the problem?

10.

Quote Teiersias lines that foreshadow Oedipus fate.

Ode 1:
11.
12.

Chorus (beginning line 526)

How does chorus comment on a person who commits regicide?
Comment on chorus general opinion of Tiersias accusation?

Scene 2:

(beginning line 573, Creons entrance)

14
15
16
17

How does Creon reason his innocence or lack of motivation

to plot against Oedipus?
How does Chorus advise Oedipus?
What information from Jocasta greatly upsets Oedipus?
What led Oedipus to flee from Corinth?

Ode 2: Chorus (beginning line 953)

18

How does the citizens/chorus react to oracles/gods in lines 984-996 (Norton)?

Scene 3: (beginning line 997, Norton)

19. How has Messenger news about Polybus changed Oedipus fate?
20. The height of drama as described by Aristotle in his Poetics is when the
protagonist has a reversal of fortune (peripeteia) and recognition (anagnorsis).
When does this occur for Oedipus in his scene with the Shepard?

Oedipus Rex

THEA 225
General topics for Discussion

1. The riddle of the Sphinx, solved by the tragic hero to save Thebes from
destruction prior to the beginning of the play, informs the action of Oedipus
the King. What walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon and
three at night? The answer is mankind. How is Oedipus correct response to
the Sphinx ironical in regards to his own identity?
2. Plot is the sequence of events and according to Aristotle, the most essential
aspect of tragedy because a tragedy is a representation of human action.
What is the main action in Oedipus the King? How does this action add
stature to his character?
3. Oedipus is a tyrannical figure from the mythic past conceived by Sophocles
in the age of democracy. A very different leader than Oedipus is Creon who is
more reserved, deliberate, and smooth of speech. Despite being an arrogant
despot, Oedipus is a more sympathetic character than Creon. What does this
suggest about human nature and (or) Athenian society?