1. A Look at Fate and Irony
Oedipus the King

2. Sophocles, the playwright

3. Sophocles and the Tragedy
Sophocles was born in 496 B.C in Athens.
He was a victor in theatrical competitions many times.
Many spectators came to these events.
The audience members knew the stories.

4. The Art of Drama Elements of dance and song
Expression of the feelings and reasoning of man and his eternal forces
The chorus is the interpreter of the drama.
The dramatic action is vital and realistic.
Religious approach
Use dramatic irony

5. Greek Theater

6. Thinking About Theme in Oedipus
Fate vs. Free Will
Blindness vs. Sight
Hubris (excessive pride)
The Importance of Truth

7. Literary Element of Focus
Dramatic Irony
the audience knows more about the situation, circumstances or future of a character than the character himself

8. Other Important Literary Ideas
Tragedy - an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.
Tragic Hero - a tragic hero is a person of noble birth with heroic qualities who is doomed to great suffering.
Tragic Flaw – a flaw in the character that brings about the downfall in a tragedy.

9. While you read… Record examples of dramatic irony.
Identify examples of hubris.
Determine whether this play proves Fate or Free Will.
Define the symbols of blindness and sight.