Oedipus Part 1 Review

Gods, Goddesses:  know what they’re in charge of

Victims – know what they did, how they were punished and what the end results were

Zeus

Semele

Poseidon

Niobe

Hera

Hades

Echo

Epimetheus

Dionysus

Demeter

Artemis

Ares

Arachne

Apollo

Aphrodite

People of the Play: Understand who they are, what they’re like and the role they’ve played thus far in the action.

Oedipus

Creon

Jocasta

Teiresias

Chorus

Corinthian Messenger

Important Details: 

Prior problem in Thebes & how Oedipus saved them

Why there is a plague in Thebes now

The reported details of the death of Laius

Justification for Creon’s guilt & his innocence  

The prophesied details of the death of Laius – and the current interpretation

Oedipus’ prophesy

Impact of the death of Polybus

Important Concepts:

Dilemma

Hubris (both meanings)

Hammartia

Guilt

Blindness

Religious Faith

Civic Duty

Quotations:  Be able to provide (a) who said the quote & to whom, (b) What is actually being said/referred to (what the speaker is trying to get across), and (c) Explain what the quote means in terms of the character, plot development, and/or overall themes.

1.      Believe me, I know all that you desire of me, all that you suffer; and while you suffer, none suffers more than I. (page 27)

2.      No matter who he may be, he is forbidden shelter or intercourse with any man in all this country over which I rule; from fellowship of prayer or sacrifice or lustral rite is excommunicated; expelled from every house, unclean, accursed. (page 32)

3.      To a land of exile; brother, as it shall be shown, and father at once, to the children he cherishes; son, and husband, to the woman who bore him; father killer, and father supplanter. (page 38)

4.      Enough for me to live a kingly life.  What more could any moderate man desire?  I have your ear for all my fair requests; but, in your place, I should have much to do that irked me.  How could kingship please me more than royalty and rule without regret. (page 42)

5.      Farewell, Abean and Olympian alter; farewell, O Heart of Earth, inviolate shrine,

 If at this time your omens fail or falter, and man no longer own your voice divine. (page 50)

**Practice** To thee bright shining Apollo, who art nearest to my door, is my first prayer.  Save us from the curse of this uncleanness, save! (page 50)