Greek Theatre
Who is the author of Oedipus?
Sophocles
What is devestating Thebes at the beginning of the story?
Plague
What does Oedipus accuse Tiresias and Creon of?
Plotting against him/treason
A messenger arrives at the palace and tells Oedipus what?
That his father in Corinth has died.
What is the curse of Oedipus?
He will kill his father and marry his mother.
Why were theatres built in a semi-circular design?
To make it easy for the audience to see and hear the play.
What does Oedipus say he will do to lift the Plague?
He will investigate the murder of Laius and banish the murderer from Thebes.
What does Jocasta's opinion of prohpets?
She doesnt trust them and believes that they are liars.
When the Shepherd arrives, why does his shush the messenger when he starts to speak of Oedipus' adoption?
The Shepherd knows who Oedipus' real father is and that he was told to kill Oedipus and didnt follow orders.
How is Oedipus a good leader?
he cares for his people, he trying to end the plague, he eventually accepts his is the murderer and banishes himself, he trusts Creon to take care of his family and be king.
Give 2 reasons why masks were important to actors and audiences.
amplified voices, decorated and made characters easily identifiable, allowed the same actor to play multiple characters.
Solve the riddle of the Shinx: What crawls on 4 legs in the morning, walks on 2 legs at mid-day and uses a cane in the evening?
a human
Why does Tiresias say he shouldn't have agreed to come to speak to Oedipus?
He know his words will only bring anger and suffering.
Why and how does Jocasta kill herself?
She cant bear what she has done, she hangs herself
It what was is Jocasta a typical and atypical woman of Ancient Greece?
Why was the City Dionysua important to the people of Athens? (3 reasons)
helped to show appreciation of Dionysus, festivals kept the people happy, women and slaves were given opprotunities to participate, more sacrifices meant more food given to public, drama competition was valued and encouraged great writers, writers wrote stories that reflected society.
What is dramatic irony?
When the audience know details about the story before the character does. e.g. knowing Oedipus killed his father before Oedipus finds out in the story
How does Creon defend himself to Oedipus against his charge?
He says he dosnt wish to trade his comfort for the responsibility of being king and that he has spent years proving his loyalty and he wouldnt ruin that in one night.
What does Oedipus ask of Creon near the end?
That he cast him out of thebes and banish him forever. and that he look after his children.
Explain the conflict between Oedipus and Tiresias.
Teacher Judgement.
Why is the chorus important to Greek drama?
comment on the story and help the audience follow the story, used by the writer to make the audience think about the meaning of the play.
Who was sent to consult with the gods about why Thebes was in trouble? (where was he sent and to speak to ehich god?
Creon, sent to Delphi to consult Apollo
Who does Oedipus send for at the end of scene 3 when he and Jocasta discuss the details of Laius' death?
The Shepherd
What does Oedipus say to his daughters about why they will struggle in life?
That no one will want to marry them because of therir parents' shame and that they will be alone forever.
How is Creon a good leader?
Teacher Judgement.