Tragic Hero Elements: Definitions
Hamartia
fatal flaw
What is the name of Oedipus' wife?
Jocasta
Oedipus says "My parents! Wait -- who were my parents?"
Dramatic Irony
What did Jocasta do when she discovered the truth about Oedipus? (I need specifics)
She hanged herself
Oedipus is born to a king and queen.
Noble Birth
Hubris
pride or arrogance; an abundance of confidence
Who was Oedipus' biological father?
Laius
Oedipus says "How could I solve this murder without a clue?"
Dramatic Irony
How did Oedipus kill his biological father?
He struck his father at a place where three roads meet (on the highway)
Oedipus is cut off in traffic. He kills everyone on board the other chariot. The audience feels a grim sort of satisfaction at finally seeing some justice served for being annoying on the road.
Catharsis
Anagnorisis
a character finally realizes a truth about themselves or the situation around them
Who is the blind prophet that told Oedipus the truth?
Tiresias
A king is told that there is a murderer in his town. The king is the highest form of justice, so he starts an investigation. He ends up being the murderer all along.
Situational Irony
What person finally got Oedipus to realize that he was the murderer all along?
The herdsman/shepherd
Shortly after Oedipus realizes he's the murderer, he stabs his eyes out, his wife dies, and he is banished from the presence of his children.
Peripeteia
Peripetia
a sudden loss of fortune; a downturn that one's life takes
Who is Oedipus' adopted father?
Polybus
Tiresias is blind and a prophet who knows everything
Situational Irony
What reason in defense did Creon give against the assumption that he paid Tiresias off?
He has wealth without responsibility, why would he want to be king to gain that responsibility?
Oedipus hears -- from three different people -- perspectives that prove he's the murderer. After much denial, he finally says "Ah God!"
Anagnorisis
Catharsis
a release of emotions felt by the audience from a work of art
Who is Oedipus' adopted mother?
Merope
Oedipus sets out to make his life and his citizens' lives better by finding the murderer. Instead, he makes his own life worse, and creates chaos in Thebes.
Tragic Irony
How did Oedipus get his name?
His name means "swollen foot," and he was thus named because of the needle that pierced his ankles together on the side of the mountain as a baby.
"Children, I would not have you speak through messengers, and therefor I have come myself to hear you -- I, Oedipus, who bear the famous name."
Hubris