1. Oedipus Rex EPISODE 3

2. Episode 3 Summary of Message
Characters
We will soon know the parentage of Oedipus.
Chorus wonders about Oedipus’s birth.
Jocasta
Messenger
Oedipus
Choragos

3. Episode 3
A messenger arrives from Corinth announcing the death of Polybus and Oedipus' ascension.
He puts to rest Oedipus' fear of the oracle (that he will kill his father and marry his mother).
Oedipus is to be crowned King of Corinth.
Initially, Oedipus is filled with relief.
Because of the prophecy, Oedipus claims to still fear Merope, the wife of King Polybus of Corinth, the mother who raised him.

4. Episode 3 (continued)
Oedipus still fears that the prophecy is true: that he will marry his mother and the two will bear children.
The messenger reveals that Polybus was not Oedipus’ natural father.
The messenger had been given an infant found in the mountains and he, in turn, gave the child to the king and queen.
Over Jocasta's objections, Oedipus vows to continue his search for the truth. Jocasta runs into the palace.

5. Timeline
With your lit circle, design a timeline and of the play. Include any pertinent events on your timeline.
Once your timeline is up to date (episode 2), make predictions as for the remainder of the timeline and play.
Identify events with certain colors and drawings.
Give your timeline a title.
Once your timeline is complete, begin a family tree.
The family tree must include Oedipus’ genealogy as we know it thus far. You may continue to fill it in as we read.

6. Timeline and Family Tree
With your lit circle, review your timeline and family tree.
Add any new information to both.
Be prepared to share your timeline and family tree with the class.