Greek Tragedy Basics ⚖️
True or False: The beginning part of a play is called the prologue.
What is TRUE?
This character tries to save the city of Thebes from the plague and seeks to find the murderer of King Laius.
Who is Oedipus?
At the start of the play, this crisis is devastating Thebes and prompts the citizens to beg Oedipus for help.
What is the plague?
This theme shows that pride or excessive self-confidence can lead to a character’s downfall.
What is Hubris?
This is the messenger of the gods/godessess
Who is Hermes?
This group of people represented the voice of people or society in a play.
What is the Chorus?
This character tries to protect Oedipus from his terrible truth/reality.
Who is Jocasta?
The part of the play where Oedipus blinds himself and Jocasta dies, showing the consequences of the tragic discovery.
What is the falling action?
Despite his efforts to avoid killing his father and marrying his mother, Oedipus fulfills the prophecy foretold by the Oracle.
What is Fate/Destiny?
This method of persuasion relates to logic.
What is logos?
The word tragedy literally translates into this phrase.
What is "goat song"?
This character is a blind prophet that only speaks in riddles and warnings.
Who is Tiresias?
Oedipus sends Creon to this place to find out how the plague ends in Thebes.
What is the Oracle of Delphi?
This quote represents which motif: “For why must I see, I for whom no sight is sweet? Indeed, it is as you say. What, then, could be worth seeing to me, or lovable, what word addressed to me could I hear gladly, friends? Lead me into exile quickly, lead me away, friends, completely destroyed, the most accursed, and to the gods the most hated of men” (Sophocles 1345-54).
What is Sight vs. Blindness?
This is the god/goddess of magic/witchcraft.
Who is Hecate?
Sophocles wrote _____ plays, but only ____ survive today.
What is 120 ; 7?
This character's loyalty reveals a twist that deepens Oedipus' tragic fate.
Who is the Messenger?
This confrontation escalates when Oedipus accuses a loyal family member of treason and conspiracy.
What is... (answers may vary, but must relate to Oedipus accusing Creon of plotting against him)?
Oedipus condemns the murderer of Laius, not knowing it is himself, showing that actions have consequences regardless of intention.
What is Justice vs. Injustice?
This is Miss King's fiancés FIRST name.
What is Brandon?
Greek tragedies began as religious festivals to honor WHICH god?
Who is Dionysus?
This characters death sparks the events of the play...
Who is King Laius?
Give a moment of tragic revelation/resolution in Oedipus Rex.
What is... (answers will vary; however must relate to Jocasta hanging herself, OR Oedipus blinding himself/choosing exile, OR Oedipus fulfilling the prophecy)?
This motif appears in symbols and events like the crossroads, the plague, and Oedipus’ self-blinding, representing how this pain cannot be avoided.
What is Suffering/Tragedy?
This is how many days there are until Miss King's wedding.
What is 205 days?