ENG II

Oedipus the King (also called Oedipus Rex)

Introduction: This document lays out the information and instructions you’ll need to understand
and complete the unit for Oedipus the King, which can be found in our text starting on page 263.

Reading and Assignment Schedule:

● Read “Literature Focus: Greek Drama” pg. 261
● Read “Before You Read: Oedipus the King”
○ Complete “Focus Activity” question : “What is the most surprising thing you have
ever learned about yourself?” (minimum 4 sentence response
● Read “Basic Premise” (below)
● Read “Link to Monster” (below)
● Read “Research” (below)
○ Complete handout for Greek Theatre
○ Complete handout for the Sphinx
○ Complete handout for Oracle at Delphi
○ Complete handout for Chorus
● Copy and define the Vocabulary words (below) as you read.
● Complete the “Innocent or Guilty” handout as you read.
● Read Oedipus the King pgs. 264-284 (for a simplified version of the text, please see
teacher site)
○ Answer questions 1-10 pg. 284, along with the questions for “Chorus”
● Read Oedipus pgs. 285-297
○ Answer questions 1-10 pg. 298, along with the questions for “Tragedy”
● Read Oedipus pgs. 299-322
○ Answer questions 1-14, along with the questions for “Dramatic Irony”
● Watch the movie version of the play (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=TonLOAkc1OY&t=9s)
○ Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
1. What are your first impressions regarding the costumes and masks
the characters wear?
2. What might the different colors of the costume mean?
3. Although the film is designed to mimic an actual stage production,
where does the film differ from a stage production?
● Short writing: In one to two paragraphs (4-5 sentences makes a paragraph), answer the
following question. Make sure to include one to two quotes from the text to answer the
question.
○ Question: The play Oedipus the King illustrates the importance of gathering facts
before making judgments. How does this play do this? What evidence backs up
your stance?
Basic Premise: The Greek city of Thebes is currently enduring a plague. Oedipus, the king of
Thebes, is asked by the people (the Chorus) to save the city as he did previously (from a Sphinx).
ENG II

In an attempt to solve this mystery, Oedipus sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to consult the
Oracle of Delphi (associated with the Greek god Apollo). Creon brings word that the reason the
cite is plagued involves the unsolved murder of King Laius, who ruled Thebes before Oedipus.
In order to solve this crime, Oedipus calls forth witnesses and gathers evidence, eventually
solving the crime and punishing the accused.

Link to Monster (our previous text):

Oedipus is basically a trial, complete with a judge, jury, witnesses, and other positions needed
for a trial, such as guards, a detective, and the suspect. Throughout the play, evidence is gathered
and a suspect named, with punishment given at the end.
● Judge: Oedipus
● Jury: The Chorus
● Witnesses:
○ Tiresias
○ A messenger of Corinth
○ A shepard
● Detective/Suspect: Creon
● Guards: Leader, palace guards

Research:
In order to fully understand the world of Oedipus, the following aspects are important to
research.
● Greek Drama (our text)
● Sphinx
● Oracle at Delphi
● Chorus

Vocabulary:
1. Drama (play)
2. Foreshadowing
3. Hubris
4. Plague
5. Prophecy
6. Suppliant
7. Blight
8. Oracle
9. Harbor
10. Rites
11. Cortege
12. Temper
ENG II

13. Revile
14. Heady
15. Insufferable
16. Marauding
17. Fathom
18. Sanctimonious
19. Clairvoyant
20. Surmise
21. Concessions
22. Henchmen
23. Slander
24. Abomination
25. Retract
26. Strife
27. Harrowing
28. Halter
29. Sustain
30. Piety

Oedipus the King (also called Oedipus Rex) (Modified)

Introduction: This document lays out the information and instructions you’ll need to understand
and complete the unit for Oedipus the King, which can be found in our text starting on page 263.
ENG II

Reading and Assignment Schedule:

● Read “Literature Focus: Greek Drama” p. 261
● Read “Before You Read: Oedipus the King”
○ Complete “Focus Activity” question : “What is the most surprising thing you have
ever learned about yourself?” (minimum 4 sentence response), pg. 262
● Read “Basic Premise” (below)
● Read “Link to Monster” (below)
● Read “Research” (below)
○ Complete handout for Greek Theatre
○ Complete handout for the Sphinx
○ Complete handout for Oracle at Delphi
○ Complete handout for Chorus
● Copy and define the Vocabulary words (below) as you read (see textbook, starting on pg.
264).
● Complete the “Innocent or Guilty” handout as you read.
● Read Oedipus the King (see handout)
○ Answer “Recall and Interpret” questions 1-5 and 1 question from “Evaluate and
Connect,” along with the questions for “Chorus”
● Read Oedipus pgs. 285-297
○ Answer “Recall and Interpret” questions 1-5 and 1 question from “Evaluate and
Connect,” along with the questions for “Tragedy”
● Read Oedipus pgs. 299-322
○ Answer “Recall”” questions 1-5, 1 question from “Interpret” and 1 question from
“Evaluate and Connect,”, along with the questions for “Dramatic Irony”
● Watch the movie version of the play (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=TonLOAkc1OY&t=9s)
○ Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
4. What are your first impressions regarding the costumes and masks
the characters wear?
5. What might the different colors of the costume mean?
6. Although the film is designed to mimic an actual stage production,
where does the film differ from a stage production?
● Short writing: In one to two paragraphs (4-5 sentences makes a paragraph), answer the
following question. Make sure to include one to two quotes from the text to answer the
question.
○ Question: The play Oedipus the King illustrates the importance of gathering facts
before making judgments. How does this play do this? What evidence backs up
your stance?