oedipus the king vocab Flashcards
(10 cards)
Tragic Hero
A protagonist of noble birth who possesses a fatal flaw (hamartia) leading to their downfall.
Hamartia
The fatal flaw or error in judgment that leads to the hero’s downfall.
Catharsis
The emotional release felt by the audience through pity and fear at the end of the tragedy.
Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something the character does not.
Symbolism
When an object, character, or event represents a deeper meaning.
Foreshadowing
Hints or clues that suggest events to come.
Chorus / Choral Commentary
A group of actors who comment on the action, often representing society’s moral voice.
Peripeteia
The reversal of fortune for the tragic hero.
Anagnorisis
The moment of recognition or discovery, especially of the protagonist’s true identity or fate.
Motif
A recurring symbol or idea that develops a theme.
