Tragic Mimesis in Literature

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Questions and Answers

What is Oedipus's tragic flaw that leads to his downfall?

Fear

Delusion

Hubris (correct)

Greed

Which character trait of Willy Loman highlights his struggles in Death of a Salesman?

Charisma

Delusion and self-deception (correct)

Ambition

Intelligence

How does the plot of Oedipus Rex primarily unfold?

Using flashbacks

With irony and suspense (correct)

In a fragmented, non-linear fashion

Through a straightforward narrative

What theme does Death of a Salesman primarily explore?

The destructive nature of materialism Signup and view all the answers

What narrative style does Miller use in Death of a Salesman to reflect Willy's perception of reality?

Fragmented and non-linear Signup and view all the answers

Which element of tragedy does the chorus serve in Oedipus Rex?

Foreshadowing and commentary Signup and view all the answers

What principle does Sophocles employ in Oedipus the King to balance themes?

Principle of moderation Signup and view all the answers

How does Sophocles convey the tragic tone in Oedipus Rex?

Using elevated language and poetic verse Signup and view all the answers

Which character from Death of a Salesman represents extreme ambition and materialism?

Willy Loman Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the spectacle element manifest in Death of a Salesman?

With symbolic imagery and memory plays Signup and view all the answers

What theme is explored in both Oedipus the King and Death of a Salesman through the use of moderation?

The importance of balance in life Signup and view all the answers

In Oedipus the King, what do Oedipus's actions demonstrate about the concept of human agency?

That human choices can defy predestined outcomes Signup and view all the answers

How does Miller's Death of a Salesman critique American society?

By presenting a balanced critique of social values Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately leads to Oedipus's downfall in Oedipus the King?

His excessive pride and curiosity Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Loman family dynamics does Death of a Salesman highlight?

The significance of balance and moderation Signup and view all the answers

What literary technique do both authors use to engage their audiences?

Decorum in form and content Signup and view all the answers

What musical element contributes to the emotional resonance of 'Death of a Salesman'?

Recurring flute motif Signup and view all the answers

In 'Oedipus Rex', what outcome does the audience experience through the unfolding tragedy?

Cathartic release of emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Oedipus' character contributes to his role as a tragic hero?

He possesses noble qualities and a fatal flaw Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the dialogue in 'Death of a Salesman'?

Realistic and mundane Signup and view all the answers

How does Arthur Miller's portrayal of Willy Loman contribute to the play's tone?

It is somber and melancholic, highlighting disillusionment Signup and view all the answers

What type of humor does Arthur Miller incorporate into 'Death of a Salesman'?

Dark and uncomfortable irony Signup and view all the answers

What emotions does 'Oedipus Rex' evoke through its tragic resolution?

Pity and fear Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the decorum in 'Oedipus the King' from that in 'Death of a Salesman'?

Greek tragedy conventions versus modern naturalism Signup and view all the answers

What universal themes are explored in Oedipus the King?

Fate, free will, and the consequences of hubris Signup and view all the answers

How does Sophocles employ poetic devices in Oedipus the King?

Through enhancing the narrative with dramatic irony and tragic flaw Signup and view all the answers

What approach did both Sophocles and Miller take towards their works?

They emphasized clarity and emotional impact. Signup and view all the answers

What does Death of a Salesman challenge audiences to think critically about?

The American Dream and societal conformity pressures Signup and view all the answers

How did Sophocles cater to his audience in 'Oedipus the King'?

By using complex themes and sophisticated poetic techniques. Signup and view all the answers

Which poetic technique is prominently utilized in Death of a Salesman?

Imagery and symbolic language Signup and view all the answers

Which poetic meter did Sophocles utilize in 'Oedipus the King'?

Iambic pentameter Signup and view all the answers

What moral lesson does Oedipus the King illustrate?

The dangers of pride and the limits of human knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What structural element enhances the dramatic impact of 'Oedipus the King'?

Clear divisions into acts and scenes Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Oedipus the King allows it to transcend mere historical fact?

Its exploration of psychological depths and moral dilemmas Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Miller's writing style in 'Death of a Salesman'?

Naturalistic prose and relatable characters Signup and view all the answers

How did both playwrights allow their works to mature?

Through careful revision and reflection. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do both Oedipus the King and Death of a Salesman provide insights into human nature?

By offering profound insights into morality, identity, and the meaning of life Signup and view all the answers

What role does dramatic irony play in Oedipus the King?

It heightens the emotional impact of the story Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aspect of Miller's commitment to artistic precision?

Using symbolism and metaphor effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which theme did both 'Oedipus the King' and 'Death of a Salesman' explore?

Universal themes relating to the human condition. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of poetry does Sidney emphasize through the concept of mimesis?

The ability of poetry to imitate reality while transcending it Signup and view all the answers

How does Sophocles elevate the myth of Oedipus in Oedipus the King?

By employing poetic language and dramatic irony Signup and view all the answers

What technique does Miller use in Death of a Salesman to transcend a realistic depiction of life?

Utilizing symbolism and metaphor Signup and view all the answers

What is said about the use of verse in Oedipus the King?

It serves to enhance the emotional impact and intellectual depth Signup and view all the answers

Why does Miller choose to write Death of a Salesman in prose?

To create a naturalistic dialogue reflecting psychological and social realities Signup and view all the answers

What are the central themes explored in Death of a Salesman?

The futility of dreams and the human condition Signup and view all the answers

In applying Sidney's definition of poetry, what element does both plays utilize to captivate audiences?

A blend of poetic techniques and narrative strategies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mimesis (Imitation)

Sophocles' Oedipus Rex imitates the tragic human condition through Oedipus's pursuit of truth, leading to his downfall.
Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman portrays the American Dream's destructive power by mimicking ordinary lives like Willy Loman, highlighting their struggles.

Tragedy

Oedipus Rex: Represents tragedy through Oedipus's noble character and tragic flaw (hubris), leading to inevitable downfall.
Death of a Salesman: Willy Loman's tragic flaw (delusion and self-deception), though not of noble birth, leads to his demise, evoking pity and fear.

Six Elements of Tragedy

1. Plot

Oedipus Rex: A complex plot driven by irony and fate, with suspense and surprise.
Death of a Salesman: Miller's fragmented and non-linear plot captures Willy Loman's distorted perception of reality.

2. Character

Oedipus Rex: Oedipus possesses admirable qualities and a fatal flaw.
Death of a Salesman: Willy Loman is a multifaceted character, revealing vulnerabilities and aspirations.

3. Thought

Oedipus Rex: Explores themes of fate, free will, and divine justice.
Death of a Salesman: Delves into the American Dream, societal pressures, and the destructive nature of materialism.

4. Diction

Oedipus Rex: Elevated language and poetic verse create a tragic tone.
Death of a Salesman: Realistic dialogue captures everyday speech, reflecting characters' social and economic backgrounds.

5. Spectacle

Oedipus Rex: Dramatic revelations and stagecraft create powerful visual impact.
Death of a Salesman: Miller's use of memory plays and symbolic imagery strengthens the emotional impact.

6. Song

Oedipus Rex: Chorus's songs offer commentary and foreshadowing.
Death of a Salesman: Musical undertones (e.g., flute motif) contribute to emotional resonance.

Catharsis

Oedipus Rex: Audience experiences emotional release as Oedipus's tragic fate unfolds.
Death of a Salesman: The play's poignant portrayal evokes pity and fear, leading to a cathartic experience.

Decorum

Oedipus Rex: Sophocles skillfully employs decorum by adhering to Greek tragedy conventions, maintaining a dignified tone in the play.
Elevated Language: Formal and poetic language elevates the play's tone and highlights the tragedy.
Tragic Hero: Oedipus, despite his flaws, possesses admirable qualities and his downfall is both inevitable and moving.
Death of a Salesman: Miller uses a naturalistic style reflecting modern drama, creating a somber and melancholic tone.

Realistic Dialogue (Death of a Salesman)

Realistic Dialogue: The play's dialogue is realistic and mundane, reflecting everyday life.
Tragicomedy: Blends tragedy and comedy portraying the American Dream.
Social Commentary: The play critiques materialism, conformity, and the American Dream.

Horace's Moderation

Oedipus the King: The play balances extremes of hubris, humility, fate, free will, and divine intervention with human agency.
Tragic Hero: Oedipus demonstrates moderation finding acceptance of his fate, showing newfound humility, demonstrating wisdom.
Death of a Salesman: Explores the destructive power of excess in the American dream.
Family Dynamics: Shows importance of balance in relationships.
Social Commentary: Provides a balanced critique of American society.

Divine Intervention and Human Agency

Oedipus Rex: Explores the interplay between fate and free will, highlighting the influence of fate though choices are made.
Death of a Salesman: Illustrates the destructive power of societal expectations by showcasing Willy Loman's tragic figure.

Intellectual Stimulation and Emotional Catharsis

Oedipus Rex: The play invites deeper thought on fate, free will, and human suffering through poetic language and vivid imagery, while fostering empathy.
Death of a Salesman: Challenges audiences to think critically about the American Dream and prompts reflection on mortality, identity, and the meaning of life.

Applying Sidney's Distinction (Oedipus the King and Death of a Salesman)

Oedipus the King: Sophocles transcends historical events in Greek mythology, exploring universal themes (fate, free will, consequences of hubris).
Death of a Salesman: Miller applies poetic language, imagery, and dramatic structure to explore relatable themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of happiness.

Moral and Intellectual Exploration

Death of a Salesman: Challenges audiences to think about conformity, the American Dream, and the consequences of materialism.
Both Plays' Significance: Show the power of poetry to transcend historical and philosophical limits providing profound insights into the human condition.

Imitating Reality

Oedipus Rex: Transcends the initial myth exploring human nature, fate, and free will through symbolic language.
Death of a Salesman: Portrays ordinary human experience emphasizing realism and complexity.

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Description

Explore the theme of mimesis in tragic literature with a focus on Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. This quiz examines how both works reflect the tragic human condition and the elements of tragedy that define their narratives.