1. Tracing the attributes of a tragic hero
Oedipus Rex
Tracing the attributes of a tragic hero

2. Prologue
Look at Oedipus’s role as a leader--- arête. Collect direct evidence/quotes.
Define humanism. How does the Priest’s account of Oedipus’ actions as king convey this concept? Collect direct evidence/quotes
Can you make a connection between Oedipus’ pride and the priest’s motivation for him.
Pallas=Athena
Phoibos=Apollo

3. Scene I
Teiresias- “the holy prophet” (Fitts and Fitzgerald 118) of Apollo – as Apollo’s priest, Teiresias is the physical representation of Apollo.
Note the reverence Oedipus exhibits toward Teiresias at the beginning of their conversation; this will quickly evolve into Oedipus’ display of hubris – overstepping the boundaries set by the gods. Collect direct evidence/quotes regarding this second aspect of the tragic hero.
Look for when Teiresais lets Oedipus know exactly what he wants to know. Why does Oedipus not recognize the truth when he hears it?
Teiresias recognizes Oedipus’ moira: “You weave your own doom”(120)
Note Teiresias’ prediction for Oedipus (120-23).

4. Scene II
What point does Oedipus bring up regarding Teiresias’ accusations?
How does Oedipus exhibit his ate? Collect direct evidence/direct quotes.
ODE II
Make note of how the Chorus outlines arête, hubris, ate, and nemesis.

5. Scene III
What new information does the Messenger reveal because he wants Oedipus to return to Corinth?
Why does Iocaste want to dismiss this entire conversation and decrees, “This talk is a waste of time” (Fitts and Fitzgerald 128)?
How does Oedipus interpret his wife’s response to the news?
ODE III
What does the chorus speculate about Oedipus’ origins?

6. Scene IV ODE IV Why is the Shepherd reluctant to talk to Oedipus?
What is Oedipus’ nemesis? Collect direct evidence/direct quotes.
ODE IV
Who does the chorus blame?
How does the chorus model catharsis that the audience should be experiencing?

7. Exodus
What does the Second Messenger report about Iocaste? About Oedipus?
What punishment (not his nemesis) does Oedipus inflict upon himself?
Who does Oedipus blame for his predicament?
Creon’s entrance – Oedipus’ anagnorisis. Collect direct evidence/direct quotes.
Choragos’ final speech: How does it reflect the concept of moira?