Tragic heroes? or just Tragic? Oedipus vs. Willy Loman Tragic heroes? or just Tragic?

Character Analysis Revisit the 3 words you used to describe both Willy and Oedipus. What were they? Oedipus Willy Prideful? Arrogant? Delusional? Oblivious? Angry? Depressed? Determined? Others?

Tragic Heroes? Aristotle once said that "A man doesn't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall." An Aristotelian tragic hero must possess specific characteristics: 1) Flaw or error of judgment (hamartia) 2) A reversal of fortune brought about because of the hero's error in judgment. 3) The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions 4) Excessive Pride (hubris) 5) The character's fate must be greater than deserved.

Divide and Conquer You will be labeled either “A” or “B” If you are an “A” your task is to determine if Willy Loman is a tragic hero If you are a “B” your task is to determine if Oedipus is a tragic hero You have 5 minutes to reflect and decide. If you are an “A” find a “B” Share your findings.

Discuss An Aristotelian tragic hero must possess specific characteristics: 1) Flaw or error of judgment (hamartia) 2) A reversal of fortune brought about because of the hero's error in judgment. 3) The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions 4) Excessive Pride (hubris) 5) The character's fate must be greater than deserved. Discuss each of the men according to the traits. Encourage the use of text support (particularly with Oedipus).

Homework Choose one of the men of whom you deem to be a tragic hero. Imagine that the man is being awarded (posthumously) a certificate of recognition for his accomplishments. Draft the speech that would be used to present the award to his living or non-exiled family members. This should be in your RJ, ½ page or longer, & hand-written: it must use specific reasons why this man deserves this award.

Thursday

Let’s “honor” the “heroes” A few volunteers? What is the point? Crash Course – Oedipus

Theme Analysis Oedipus the King

Title of the play Explain how the title of the play informs the story. If the title is directly referenced during in the script, be sure to include/explain that moment also. “the King” or “Rex” gives us insight into the position of our title character, he will clearly have a powerful position

Philosophic Statements Identify lines in the play when characters say particularly insightful, revealing, and guiding principles. Explain. “And may Phoebus, who sent this oracle, come as our savior and end our sickness.” Lines 180-181 Have students locate own statements

Contrasting Values of Protagonist and Antagonist In a sentence, describe the values of the protagonist, antagonist, and how those are pitted against each other. Have them do this as a think-pair-share

Unfolding of Dramatic Action Why does the protagonist take the climatic action? This involves restating what the climatic action is and offering a motivation. What is the result? What is most important to the protagonist at the moment of greatest agony? Why does Oedipus finally accept the truth? The result is he is destined to become “blind.” As he tried so hard to “not see” now he literally can’t see. The most important thing to Oedipus is the punishment that he feels he deserves.

Central Idea In a single sentence, describe the issues the play is exploring universally. This is often called a “theme.” Review aspects of a theme statement. Have students write their own and share with the class. If time – have them write them on a notecard and turn in – read through them and critique as you go.

Tomorrow: You will take a multiple choice test regarding Oedipus You will then complete metacognition for the multiple choice portion of the final exam.