Elements of tragedy
&
consequences
&
consequences
This tragic flaw causes Oedipus to ignore warnings and seek the truth at all costs
What is pride?
Though physically blind, this character can "see" the truth
Who is Tiresias?
Oedipus leaves Corinth in an attempt to avoid this
What is the prophecy?
This character refuses to listen to Tiresias and insists on being correct
Who is Oedipus?
Oedipus's wife and mother
Who is Jocasta?
This concept describes how Oedipus’s own actions unintentionally bring about his downfall
What is tragic irony?
Oedipus is metaphorically blind because he cannot see this about himself
What is the truth?
Was it fate or free will that caused Oedipus to kill his father
What is both fate and free will?
His pride leads him to accuse this man of treason
Who is Creon?
The king Oedipus unknowingly kills at the crossroads
Who is Laius?
This moment occurs when Oedipus realizes the truth about his identity and actions
What is recognition?
Oedipus accuses this blind prophet of ignorance, not realizing the irony of his own situation
Who is Tiresias?
Sophocles suggests that knowledge and action do not grant control, but instead reveal this truth
What is that fate cannot be escaped?
Oedipus insists on uncovering the truth even when warned to stop
What is stubborn pride?
This group represents the voice of the people of Thebes and reacts to Oedipus’s actions
what is the chorus?
The audience feels pity and fear for Oedipus, leading to this emotional release
What is catharsis?
Blindness in the play symbolizes this deeper concept
What is ignorance or lack of knowledge?
The audience sees that Oedipus’s greatest efforts to act freely actually reinforce this paradox
What is that free will leads to fate?
Oedipus believes he can outsmart fate, showing this flaw
What is overconfidence?
The man who saved Oedipus as a baby and confirms his true identity
Who is the shepherd?
Oedipus’s suffering results from both his flaw and fate, illustrating this tragic principle
What is the tragic hero’s downfall?
This contrast between Tiresias and Oedipus highlights the theme of sight vs. insight
What is physical sight vs. inner vision (knowledge of truth)?
The play suggests that even when humans act freely, they cannot escape this.
What is fate (destiny)?
In Greek tragedy, excessive pride that leads to downfall is called this.
What is hubris?
Though he is neither the prophet who speaks the truth nor the servant who witnessed it, this character unknowingly confirms both by trying to ease Oedipus’s fears
Who is the Messenger?