Dialectical Journal Questions Oedipus Rex

Irony (217-285) Identify 3-5 examples of dramatic irony in Oedipus’ speech. How does Sophocles use dramatic irony to create suspense, tension, and mystery?

Sight/Blindness (315-485) According to Teiresias, what can Oedipus see? What can’t he see? What might this suggest about how Teiresias understands Oedipus’s authority as king? Analyze Sophocles’ presentation of the theme of sight and blindness.

Creon and Oedipus (538-668) What motivates Creon's entrance at the beginning of this episode (538-547)?   Why does Oedipus accuse Creon of conspiracy (556-568)? In what way are Oedipus and Creon foil characters? Explain. How does Creon use rhetoric (the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing) to defend himself against Oedipus’ accusation? What does Oedipus threaten to do (644-649)? What does Jocasts attrempt to do? Is she successful (665-668)?

The Chorus (679-725) Read the Chorus’ lines: What is the purpose of the Chorus? What is their advice? Where do they stand in their allegiance to Oedipus? How do you know?

Hubris (735-753) How do Jocasta’s lines reveal hubris? Explain. Aristotle defined hubris as shaming the victim, not because of anything that happened to a person or might happen to a person, but merely for that person's own gratification. In its modern usage, hubris denotes overconfident pride and arrogance. Hubris is often associated with a lack of humility, though not always with the lack of knowledge How do Jocasta’s lines reveal hubris? Explain. Are there instances where Oedipus exhibits hubris? Explain. How does this contribute to the theme of sight/blindness?

Suspense (799-861) How does Sophocles build suspense in Oedipus’ speech? To what/whom does Oedipus attribute his predicament? How does this contribute to the theme of fate/free will?

Do you agree with what the Chorus says here? Does the Chorus make an accusation of Oedipus? Explain how you know.

At this point, what is Sophocles’ message about this subject? Fate and Free Will (977-1035) How do the messenger’s details help develop the theme of fate & free will? At this point, what is Sophocles’ message about this subject?

Knowledge and Wisdom (1081-1999) How is the theme of knowledge as a burden presented in this dialogue? In what way(s) can knowledge be a burden? Was it right of Oedipus to seek the truth about his identity despite warnings not to?

Elements of Tragedy (1157-1214) In his notes on tragedy, Aristotle contends, “A good plot has Peripety or Discovery--sometimes both.” Peripety is the change from one state of things at the beginning of the play to the exact opposite state by the end of the play. Discovery is a change from ignorance to knowledge. How do these lines help support Oedipus Rex’s labeling as tragedy?

What is the tone of the Chorus? How does Sophocles’ diction contribute to the tone? Where does the Chorus stand in allegiance to Oedipus?

Mood and Catharsis (1261-1308) What is the mood of the Servant’s speech? What words establish the mood? Catharsis is the purification and purgation of emotions—especially pity and fear—through art or any extreme change in emotion that results in renewal and restoration. Does this constitute an instance of catharsis? Explain.

What is the attitude of the Chorus at this point in the play? How do you know?

What id Oedipus’ justification for his actions? What might the “crossroads” symbolize to Oedipus?

What is Oedipus’ attitude towards his destiny? (1459-1527) What is Oedipus’ attitude towards his destiny? What is his attitude towards Creon? What is his final request?

What do the final lines of the play mean? The End (_1543-1551) What do the final lines of the play mean? Why does Sophocles choose to end the play this way? Explain.