1. THE GREEK THEATER

2. An Introduction to Greek Tragedy
An Introduction to the Greek Theater
An Introduction to Greek Tragedy

3. Quote of the Day
The world breaks us all, and some are stronger in the broken places.
-- Ernest Hemingway

4. Edith Hamilton on Tragedy
“Tragedy was a Greek creation because in Greece thought was free. Men were thinking more and more deeply about human life, and beginning to perceive more and more clearly that it was bound up with evil and that injustice was the nature of things. And then, one day, this knowledge of something irremediably wrong in the world came to a poet with his poet’s power to see beauty in the truth of human life, and the first tragedy was written.”

5. Why Tragedies Developed When They Did
Political and Social reforms = democracy
Rise of individual
Focus turned from gods to man/individual
Philosophy flourishing
Man is free, but fated; fated but free!

6. Discussion Web Write this question in the circle:
Is it a good thing that Oedipus learned the truth?
Yes: Three reasons why
No: Three reasons why
Your table’s conclusion

7. Character Map/Family Tree
Oedipus Jocasta Creon Laios Polybus Merope Chorus Tieresias Messenger Second Messenger Shepherd of Laios Antigone & Ismene Apollo Sphinx

8. Setting
Thebes
Corinth
Cithaeron

9. Is Oedipus responsible for this own destiny?
Write this question in the circle:
Is Oedipus responsible for this own destiny?
Yes: Three reasons why
No: Three reasons why
Your table’s conclusion

10. Oedipus Rex: Essential Questions
Essay: Is ignorance bliss, or does the truth set you free?
Test:
Do you feel that Oedipus is responsible for his own destiny? Take a position and defend your answer. Consider the role of fate and free will in your answer.
Critics have found many universal applications of the Oedipus story. What message do you think the play has for modern readers? Explain three.
The Nature of Tragedy:
Why is plot more important than character to the Greeks?
Explain why ancient classical tragedies were supposed to be CATHARTIC?

11. Questions to consider as you read
Is Oedipus a hero? Argue both points of view. What would Aristotle say?
Why is Oedipus so relentless in his quest for the full knowledge of his past? Would you be? What relevance to the world today might this have?
Is Oedipus’s punishment just? In other words, does he get what he deserves? Why does he choose blindness and exile over death?
What universal message does this play have for modern readers? Identify and explain five.

12. Questions/Issues to consider
Is it a good thing that Oedipus learned the truth? Discussion web.
Why is Oedipus so relentless in his quest for the full knowledge of his past? Would you be?
Is Oedipus’s punishment just? In other words, does he get what he deserves?
Does Oedipus achieve wisdom in the end? Freedom?
OEDIPUS is a message that the gods are all-powerful and should receive reverence and honor. True?
OEDIPUS is a complex tragedy – deals with the question of FATE/DESTINY and FREE WILL
What are three lessons for modern readers

13. Character Connections
Oedipus
Jocasta
Chorus
Creon
Polybus
Teiresias
Messenger
Antigone
Laios

14. Mini Socratics
Why is plot more important than character? (see Aristotle handout)
Explain why tragedies are considered cathartic. (Be sure to define cathartic in our answer)
Do you think Oedipus is responsible for his own downfall? Consider fate/free will
Identify 3 lessons the play has for the modern reader

15. What do you think? What we loathe; we are. What we avoid; we become.
To know thyself is not to absolve thyself.
The pain we inflict on ourselves hurts worst of all.

16. OEDIPUS and dramatic irony – the audience knows
what the main character spends play learning
OEDIPUS is a message that the gods are all-power-
ful and should receive reverence and honor
OEDIPUS is a complex tragedy – deals with the
question of FATE/DESTINY and FREE WILL
OEDIPUS needs to be understood in its historical
context

17. Three-part trilogy:
Oedipus Rex
Oedipus at Colonus
Antigone

18. Task: Become an expert! Read your essential question.
Read your objective.
Read bulleted focus questions – this will guide what you need to teach
Read/Annotate/Outline the material
Look up any words not familiar with
How does your topic apply to the essential question?
Collaborate on the best way to teach the material tomorrow.

19. Consider while reading
Oedipus’s strengths and weaknesses – T-Chart
The characters who use Reason or Emotion/Senses to understand or explain their point of view
Keep a list of references to “seeing”
Eyes, light, darkness, sight, vision, etc…
HOMEWORK:

20. Character Connections
Find a way to visually represent what these characters do and the relationships between these characters
Oedipus
Jocasta
Creon
Priest
Teiresias
Messenger
Shepherd
Second Messenger

21. End of Play Questions
Is Oedipus a hero? Argue both points of view. What would Aristotle say?
Why is Oedipus so relentless in his quest for the full knowledge of his past? Would you be? What relevance to the world today might this have?
Is Oedipus’s punishment just? In other words, does he get what he deserves? Why does he choose blindness and exile over death?
What universal message does this play have for modern readers? Identify and explain five.

22. Oedipus Test Tips Multiple choice:
#5: Add the words “at first” after “interrupted”
#12: Cross out “theme” and write “motif/pattern”
In general, use process of elimination to find best answer
Characterization:
#2: “Promiscuous” means sleeping with a lot of people
#7: “mutinous land” means full of traitors
#10: “penitent” means to feel sorry; “accursed” means that she is cursed or doomed

23. Oedipus Test Tips
The Nature of Tragedy: should refer to Aristotle in your responses
Quotations:
Pick two
Also explain the context of the quote
Responsibility Question:
Pick a side and cite at least two reasons
Refute at least one reason on the other side
Lesson/Message Question:
Identify the lesson/message
Where is it learned in the play?
Why is it an important lesson today? Specific example?
Do this three times (three lessons/messages total)

24. Quotation Practice for Test
“By avenging the murdered King I protect myself”
Who said this
Setting – when/where?
Analysis –
Consider what it tells us about the character speaking? To whom it is spoken
Consider connection to major themes/lessons in the play