Online Annotated Text
General Resources
Movie Adaptations and theatrical productions
Documentaries
Study Guides
- Homework Online (Summary and Analysis)
- Study Guide 2
- Study Guide 3
- Study Guide 4
Main Topics
- Oedipus as a classical tragedy: Using Aristotle’s “rules” for tragedy, explain how Oedipus Rex fits perfectly into each one of the rules.
- Oedipus as a tragic hero
- Role of fate
- Role of Chorus
- Role of Tiresius
- Role of Creon and his antagonism with Oedipus
- The theme of blindness and vision
Questions
- What was the First Oracle?
- What was the Second Oracle?
- What does “Oedipus” mean?
- What is the riddle? Who solves it?
- According to Creon, why does Thebes suffer? (Hint: What unjust event has happened in the past?)
- According to Creon, what is the problem in finding witnesses or getting to the root of the problem?
- According to the Chorus, what are conditions in the city?
- What is ironic about Oedipus’ statement “his marriage bed my bed of seed”?
- How does Oedipus treat Tiresias at first?
- Explain Tiresias statement: “These very gibes you mouth at me will soon be hurled by every mouth at you.”
- How does the Chorus feel about the possibility of Oedipus’ guilt?
- What “evidence” does Jocasta, unknowingly reveal in her conversation with Oedipus?
- What “evidence” does Oedipus unknowingly reveal in his speech?
- According to Jocasta, why can’t Oedipus “gage the present from the past”?
- What is Jocasta’s advice to Oedipus on how to deal with the second part of the oracle (sleeping with his mother)?
- At what point does Oedipus clue into the horrible tragedy that has unfolded before his eyes? How does he react?
- What tragedy does the Official report? Explain the gruesome details.
- What central question does the Chorus ask Oedipus about his actions?
- What does Oedipus ask Creon to for him? Jocasta? His children?
- According to Oedipus, what will be the future woes for his children?
Tasks for students
- Prepare the questions and send your answers to TTM at ttm1974@gmail.com