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Questions and Answers
Which aspect of the play 'Oedipus King of Thebes' does the translator emphasize as a new contribution?
Which aspect of the play 'Oedipus King of Thebes' does the translator emphasize as a new contribution?
- The accurate portrayal of ancient Greek society.
- The use of English rhyming verse.
- The tragic fate of Oedipus and Jocasta.
- The exploration of religious atmosphere and dramatic technique. (correct)
According to the translator, what primitive aspect clings to Oedipus and Jocasta?
According to the translator, what primitive aspect clings to Oedipus and Jocasta?
- Their roles as political leaders in Thebes.
- Their connection to Mount Kithairon.
- Their association with a daemon haunting Mount Kithairon and an Earth-Mother figure, respectively (correct)
- Their connection to the legend of Cadmus.
What does the translator suggest regarding Apollo's hostility in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What does the translator suggest regarding Apollo's hostility in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
- It is a motiveless act of destruction.
- It reflects Apollo's role as a purely symbolic figure.
- It is the result of Oedipus's disrespect for the gods.
- It represents the Olympian crushing an Earth-born rival. (correct)
How does the translator describe the treatment of parricide and incest in Sophocles' 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
How does the translator describe the treatment of parricide and incest in Sophocles' 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What does the translator imply about Sophocles' personal belief regarding the involuntary acts of parricide and metrogamy in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What does the translator imply about Sophocles' personal belief regarding the involuntary acts of parricide and metrogamy in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What is the translator's view on the presence of 'criticism of life or any definite moral judgment' in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What is the translator's view on the presence of 'criticism of life or any definite moral judgment' in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
According to the translator, what is the dominant element in 'Oedipus King of Thebes' compared to other Greek plays?
According to the translator, what is the dominant element in 'Oedipus King of Thebes' compared to other Greek plays?
According to the translator, what external flaw in 'Oedipus King of Thebes' involves the supposition about Oedipus?
According to the translator, what external flaw in 'Oedipus King of Thebes' involves the supposition about Oedipus?
What quality does the translator emphasize as being particularly strong in the dialogue of 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What quality does the translator emphasize as being particularly strong in the dialogue of 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
According to the translator, what is the key attribute that makes Oedipus an effective tragic hero, as identified by Aristotle?
According to the translator, what is the key attribute that makes Oedipus an effective tragic hero, as identified by Aristotle?
In the translator's analysis, what motivates Jocasta's 'impiety'?
In the translator's analysis, what motivates Jocasta's 'impiety'?
According to the translator, how does Tiresias' character differ from the common assumption of a 'sympathetic' prophet?
According to the translator, how does Tiresias' character differ from the common assumption of a 'sympathetic' prophet?
According to the translator, how does the role of the Chorus in Sophocles' 'Oedipus King of Thebes' compare to its role in the plays of Aeschylus and Euripides?
According to the translator, how does the role of the Chorus in Sophocles' 'Oedipus King of Thebes' compare to its role in the plays of Aeschylus and Euripides?
According to the translator, what technique was Sophocles feeling his way towards, in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
According to the translator, what technique was Sophocles feeling his way towards, in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What is the translator's opinion about Euripides' writing in general?
What is the translator's opinion about Euripides' writing in general?
What is the significance of the Sphinx's riddle in the context of Oedipus's story?
What is the significance of the Sphinx's riddle in the context of Oedipus's story?
In 'Oedipus King of Thebes,' what motivates Oedipus to send Creon to the Oracle at Delphi?
In 'Oedipus King of Thebes,' what motivates Oedipus to send Creon to the Oracle at Delphi?
In 'Oedipus King of Thebes,' what specific action does Phoebus (Apollo) demand to end the plague in Thebes?
In 'Oedipus King of Thebes,' what specific action does Phoebus (Apollo) demand to end the plague in Thebes?
What information does Creon bring back from the oracle regarding the death of Laius?
What information does Creon bring back from the oracle regarding the death of Laius?
What motivates Oedipus to declare a curse on the unknown murderer of Laius?
What motivates Oedipus to declare a curse on the unknown murderer of Laius?
What suggestion does the Chorus's leader make after Oedipus declares his curse?
What suggestion does the Chorus's leader make after Oedipus declares his curse?
What is Tiresias' initial reaction when Oedipus asks for his help?
What is Tiresias' initial reaction when Oedipus asks for his help?
What accusation does Oedipus make against Tiresias after the prophet hints at the truth?
What accusation does Oedipus make against Tiresias after the prophet hints at the truth?
What specific prophecy does Tiresias reveal about Oedipus’s future?
What specific prophecy does Tiresias reveal about Oedipus’s future?
What prior failure does Oedipus taunt Tiresias with during their confrontation?
What prior failure does Oedipus taunt Tiresias with during their confrontation?
In the argument between Creon and Oedipus, what reason does Creon give as to why he doesn't want to be king?
In the argument between Creon and Oedipus, what reason does Creon give as to why he doesn't want to be king?
What accusations does Oedipus make against Creon, suggesting motivation for plotting against him?
What accusations does Oedipus make against Creon, suggesting motivation for plotting against him?
How does Jocasta try to reassure Oedipus about the prophecy concerning Laius' death?
How does Jocasta try to reassure Oedipus about the prophecy concerning Laius' death?
What detail in Jocasta's story about Laius alarms Oedipus?
What detail in Jocasta's story about Laius alarms Oedipus?
According to Jocasta, what physical action did Laius and she do to their son?
According to Jocasta, what physical action did Laius and she do to their son?
What information does the messenger announce?
What information does the messenger announce?
Who is Merope?
Who is Merope?
What information does the Corinthian bring relating Oedipus to Corinth?
What information does the Corinthian bring relating Oedipus to Corinth?
What was the prophecy that Apollo spake?
What was the prophecy that Apollo spake?
According to the messenger, how did King Polybus die?
According to the messenger, how did King Polybus die?
As the last lines of the text are being spoken, what is occurring on stage? (Oedipus King of Bodes)
As the last lines of the text are being spoken, what is occurring on stage? (Oedipus King of Bodes)
What information does the messenger from Corinth reveal about the parentage of Oedipus?
What information does the messenger from Corinth reveal about the parentage of Oedipus?
What underlying element is identified as clinging to both Oedipus and Jocasta?
What underlying element is identified as clinging to both Oedipus and Jocasta?
What motivated the piercing of the exposed child's feet, as mentioned by an ancient Greek commentator?
What motivated the piercing of the exposed child's feet, as mentioned by an ancient Greek commentator?
What aspect of the treatment of parricide and incest does the author highlight?
What aspect of the treatment of parricide and incest does the author highlight?
What does the author suggest about Sophocles' personal beliefs regarding the actions depicted in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What does the author suggest about Sophocles' personal beliefs regarding the actions depicted in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
According to the author, what element present in other Greek plays is notably lacking in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
According to the author, what element present in other Greek plays is notably lacking in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
Where does the author suggest the 'original story' of Oedipus may have originated?
Where does the author suggest the 'original story' of Oedipus may have originated?
According to the author, what is the dominant element in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
According to the author, what is the dominant element in 'Oedipus King of Thebes'?
What aspect of the plot does the author identify as a point of unsophisticated technique?
What aspect of the plot does the author identify as a point of unsophisticated technique?
What characteristic of the dialogue does the author emphasize?
What characteristic of the dialogue does the author emphasize?
According to the author, what diminishes the character-interest in 'Oedipus' to a comparative weakness?
According to the author, what diminishes the character-interest in 'Oedipus' to a comparative weakness?
What specific quality of Oedipus does the author emphasize, besides his greatness, as contributing to his effectiveness as a tragic hero?
What specific quality of Oedipus does the author emphasize, besides his greatness, as contributing to his effectiveness as a tragic hero?
According to the author, what is the essential factor in Jocasta's life that leads her to act with 'impiety'?
According to the author, what is the essential factor in Jocasta's life that leads her to act with 'impiety'?
In the author's view, what range does the imagination of most ages fluctuate between when considering the character of the professional 'seer'?
In the author's view, what range does the imagination of most ages fluctuate between when considering the character of the professional 'seer'?
How does the author describe Sophocles' technique in 'Oedipus King of Thebes' concerning the chorus and other formal elements?
How does the author describe Sophocles' technique in 'Oedipus King of Thebes' concerning the chorus and other formal elements?
According to the author, what is a consequence of Sophocles' technique of blurring structural outlines?
According to the author, what is a consequence of Sophocles' technique of blurring structural outlines?
What does Oedipus initially think will happen if he refuses the task appointed by the gods?
What does Oedipus initially think will happen if he refuses the task appointed by the gods?
Near the start of the play, what does Oedipus believe is the only path to saving the city?
Near the start of the play, what does Oedipus believe is the only path to saving the city?
What is the first accusation Oedipus directs at Tiresias when the prophet is hesitant to speak?
What is the first accusation Oedipus directs at Tiresias when the prophet is hesitant to speak?
What previous event does Oedipus mock Tiresias for his inaction?
What previous event does Oedipus mock Tiresias for his inaction?
What does Oedipus believe Creron is planning to gain by sending Tiresias?
What does Oedipus believe Creron is planning to gain by sending Tiresias?
According to Jocasta, what was the defining characteristic or feature of Laius?
According to Jocasta, what was the defining characteristic or feature of Laius?
Besides the report of Polybus's death, what other crucial information does the messenger from Corinth bring to Oedipus?
Besides the report of Polybus's death, what other crucial information does the messenger from Corinth bring to Oedipus?
What does the Corinthian Stranger's initial arrival interrupt?
What does the Corinthian Stranger's initial arrival interrupt?
Initially, what is Jocasta's reaction to the news that Polybus has died?
Initially, what is Jocasta's reaction to the news that Polybus has died?
What detail about Oedipus's feet does the messenger reveal?
What detail about Oedipus's feet does the messenger reveal?
Which Theban does Oedipus ask about, in relation to learning more about those that once shepherded for Laius?
Which Theban does Oedipus ask about, in relation to learning more about those that once shepherded for Laius?
What action does Jocasta take after realizing the full implications of the Corinthian's tale?
What action does Jocasta take after realizing the full implications of the Corinthian's tale?
What is the Corinthian man's reaction, when Oedipus says that Thebians knew and had once recognized them?
What is the Corinthian man's reaction, when Oedipus says that Thebians knew and had once recognized them?
Who first reveals that both of Oedipus's are from Laius's blood?
Who first reveals that both of Oedipus's are from Laius's blood?
Flashcards
Who is Oedipus?
Who is Oedipus?
King of Thebes. He solved the Sphinx's riddle and married Jocasta, unknowingly fulfilling a prophecy.
Who is Jocasta?
Who is Jocasta?
Queen of Thebes, widow of Laius, and later wife/mother of Oedipus. She disbelieves in prophecies.
Who is Creon?
Who is Creon?
A prince of Thebes and brother to Jocasta. He is sent to the oracle of Delphi to find out how to end the plague in Thebes.
Who is Tiresias?
Who is Tiresias?
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Who is Laius?
Who is Laius?
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What role did Oedipus play with the Sphinx?
What role did Oedipus play with the Sphinx?
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What is Mount Kithairon?
What is Mount Kithairon?
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How are parricide and incest viewed?
How are parricide and incest viewed?
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Who are Polybus and Merope?
Who are Polybus and Merope?
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What is the significance of Delphi?
What is the significance of Delphi?
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What does the oracle say must be done?
What does the oracle say must be done?
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What is the initial problem in Thebes?
What is the initial problem in Thebes?
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What is the significance of the crossroads?
What is the significance of the crossroads?
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What does the Chorus believe?
What does the Chorus believe?
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What news does the Corinthian bring?
What news does the Corinthian bring?
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Study Notes
- Sophocles authored "Oedipus King of Thebes".
- Gilbert Murray translated "Oedipus King of Thebes" into English rhyming verse with explanatory notes.
- The EBook released December 31, 2008, is available at www.gutenberg.org.
- The play involves dramatic technique and religious atmosphere.
Oedipus' Origins and Powers
- Oedipus originated as a daemon of Mount Kithairon.
- Jocasta was originally an Earth-Mother figure
- Oedipus has traces of the pre-Hellenic Medicine King, a Basileus/Theos with power over weather, pestilence, and fertility.
Jocasta's Character
- Jocasta's royalty brings her close to consecrated queens, honoured above other women.
- The story is set in a time before the 5th century.
- It includes themes of dread, pollution, curses, and cruelty.
- Themes also included parricide and incest as monstrous pollutions
- It was thought that Sophocles did not consider the acts as the people in his play do.
- People at the time felt and thought about "pollution" and felt the tragedy was there.
- The play lacks any definite moral judgement.
- Man is shown as a plaything of malignant Gods.
- Sophocles admitted a flash or two of pessimistic arraignment of the ruling powers.
Setting
- The play lacks philosophy and pure poetry but contains amazing grandeur and power
- In terms of plot, no other Greek play comes close. Plot flaws are external, not essential.
- The work translation's demonstrates a extraordinary dialogue grip
- Extraordinary dialogue reality is part of the deft construction
- Creon scene and the unbroken crescendo contribute to the tragedy from start to finish.
Character Strengths
- Characters are interesting, vital and distinct
- Oedipus is selected by Aristotle as the most effective tragic hero
- Oedipus is great, glorious, and not pre-eminently virtuous or just
- Oedipus is passionate, noble and truthful.
- Oedipus is prepared for an oracle commanding him to die for his people
- He never refuses the "task" or tries to elude the doom.
- Jocasta is a wonderful study of Oedipus' character
- She possess protecting love and motherly authority
- The essential fact is that both her innocence and happiness have been influenced by the craft of priests.
- She and Laïus both believed in a bad oracle
- Her terror/love for her husband made her consent to an infamous act
- It sickens her when she thinks about the act, and she finds it hard to speak the whole truth
- The oracle proved to be a lie so she wont believe a priest again
Tiresias Character
- Tiresias has an unintelligent criticism and assumes compassion
- There's a study of a real type present that all tragedians knew
- The professional seer or "man of God" has in the imagination of most ages fluctuated between two poles.
- There is an extreme of sanctity and superhuman wisdom.
- Other qualities include fraud, mental disease, self-worship aping humility and personal malignity.
Structure
- The Chorus generally plays a smaller part in Sophocles
- Oedipus forms no exception to that rule
- Sophocles was feeling his way towards a technique which would have approached that of the New Comedy or even the Elizabethan stage
- Sophocles worked by blurring his structural outlines just as he blurs the ends of his verses. -This was a very great gain, but of course some price had to be paid for it
- Sophocles could never attempt the tremendous choric effects which Euripides achieves in such plays
List of Characters
- Oedipus (Supposed son of Polybus, King of Corinth; Elected king of Thebes)
- Jocasta (Queen of Thebes; Widow of Laïus, Now wife to Oedipus)
- Creon (Prince of Thebes; Brother to Jocasta)
- Tiresias (Old Blind Seer)
- Priest Of Zeus
- Stranger from Corinth
- Shepherd of King Laïus
- Messenger from the Palace
- Chorus (Elders of Thebes)
- Crowd of Suppliants
Argument
- While Thebes was under the rule of Laïus and Jocasta there appeared a strange and monstrous creature called 'the riddling Sphinx'
- The Sphinx slew the people of Thebes.
- Laïus goes to the oracle at Delphi.
- Laïus was slain mysteriously on the road soon after so Oedipus was appointed king of Thebes.
- He Faced the Sphinx and read her riddle, whereupon she flung herself from her rock and died.
- The The date of the first production of the play was probably about the year 425 B.C
Setting of the Play
- The scene is before the Palace of Oedipus at Thebes
- Suppliants of all ages are waiting by the altar
- Priest of Zeus part of scene
- Palace door opens and Oedipus comes out.
- Suppliants move towards him and hold out their olive branches, and then become still again as he speaks
Key lines
- Oedipus said his children, fruit of Cadmus' ancient tree,
- Oedipus asked them 'why do ye thus with bended knee'
- laden all with wreaths and Suppliant branches?
- And the city breathes Heavy with incense and dim prayer
- shrieks to affright the Slayer.
- Oedipus said he has scored with message or writing
- Oedipus states 'tis I am come, world-honoured Oedipus.
- Oedipus asks 'Old Man, do thou declare—the rest have thus Their champion - in what mood stand ye so still.
- Oedipus states his will is yours for aid 'gainst all, Stern were indeed The heart that felt not for so dire a need
- Priest declares, 'O Oedipus, who holdest in thy hand My city, thou canst see what ages stand At these thine altars'
- Priest refers 'Some whose little wing Scarce Fiieth yet, and some with long living O’erburdened; priests, as I of Zeus am priest, And chosen youths: and wailing hath not ceased Of thousands in the market-place For all our ship is weak and sore Shaken with storms and no more lighteneth Her head above the waves.
- Priest says 'She wasteth in the fruitless buds of earth, In parched herds and travail without birth Of dying women'
- A burning loathly god hath lit sudden, and sweeps our land: this Plague of power, Till Cadmus house grows empty, hour by hour
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