Oedipus Flashcards
(15 cards)
What does Aristotle say is unique about Oedipus?
The anagnorisis and the peripeteia happen simultaneously and this is rare and uniqueas many tragic plays sperate these moments
How does Oedipus’ name hint at his future?
His name mean swollen footed one which his at his patronage as his real father Laius pinned his ankles together when he left him on the mountain and Oedipus has the scar to show for it.
His name also means i see or i know which is very ironic as Oedipus does not know the truth even when he is told it.
How does Oedipus resemble Pericles?
Pericles was the leader of Athens who died of the plague in the 5th century. He was very well loved but many people compare the cicitizen of Thebes love for their leader to the point they will not convict him of murder to the ove for Pericles and this mean some see the play as a cautionary tale against supporting leaders to much as it does not serve the democracy.
Who are Oedipus’ adoptive parents?
Polybus and Merope
Who are opedipus actual parents?
Jocasta and Laius
What is stichomythia?
A pts up the tension of a scene it it constant short back and forth dialogue. It’s also serves a s an opportunity for comedic one liners.
What is hubris?
A series of excessive behaviours that contain a measure of violence and often bring the person into conflict with the gods.
Why does the play serve as a moral message to the people of Athens?
In the 2nd half of the 5th century there was the rise of the sophist who believed they could question the gods and explain them with intellect there was also the rise of worship of Aeschylpius.
Oedipus is characterised as believing himself superior to the god telling his people to worship him rather than the gods.
What’s is is the significance of the chorus?
Brings variety and basically switches scene.
People of Athens are involved in the chorus and may get the chance to perform themselves or see those involved that they knew.
What message is there from the agon of Tieresias and Oedipus?
Change the Opinions of Oedipus yet the thebans do not turn against him despite the fact that he question the authority of a prophet , ancient Athenians will have watched this an either learnt not be too loyal to a leader and some may question their loyalty to Pericles and their win involvement in Peloponnesian war.
The play communicates the conflict of the demos of Thebes do not fulfill their duty to religion and the oracle of Delphi in favour of loyalty to Oedipus.
When and where was Oedipus first performed?
Circa 429BC
It came second place at the city Dionisia
How did Oedipus established himself as leader of Thebes?
He solved the riddle of the Sphinx and saved the people of Thebes, they crowned him king and he married Jocasta
How is Oedipus as king?
He is loving to his people and is distressed by the report of the plague, he is confident but this confidence can easily switch to hubris.
He is impious and does not respect the gods telling his people to pray to him and calling Tiresias a false prophet.
How do the chorus create sympathy for Thebes?
The language is deeply saturated with and emphasises on the severity of the situation. The repeated use of the word barren empahsises the gravity and the desperation of the situation upon the Theban people.
How is dramatic irony used through out the play?
They used constant references to feet, which is ironic as feet reveal Oedipus parentage as they were pinned together.
He mocks Tieresias for his blinders, yet he knows the truth of Oedipus
