1. Song and Spectacle: The Elements of Tragedy
Zachary Moody, Aly Nida

2. Definition of Melody
According to Aristotle, melody is the fifth element of a tragedy and is the musical element of the chorus.

3. Melody in a Tragedy Strophe 1 (Lines 161-162)
“Speak, speak to us, issue of holy sound: Dearest to our expectancy: be tender!”
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This shows the rhythm in the melodic part of the tragedy. Aristotle believed that the chorus should sound melodic to break the monotony of the characters’ dialogue.

4. Melody in a Tragedy Strophe 1 (Lines 615-618)
Choragos: “Open your mind to her, my lord. Be ruled by her, I beg you!”
Oedipus: “What would you have me do?”
Choragos: “Respect Creon’s word. He has never spoken like a fool, And now he has sworn an oath.”
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Choragos is a character that represents the chorus in the script. He engages in dialogue with other characters and contributes to plot and character development.

5. Melody in a Tragedy
Melody in Oedipus Rex fits Aristotle’s definition because
there are multiple people contributing to a melody
there is one actor (Choragos) who represents the chorus in the action of the story
the dialogue as a whole has a melodic aspect that can be felt throughout

6. Definition of Spectacle
According to Aristotle, spectacle is the sixth element of a tragedy, mostly concerning to stage effects and visual elements.

7. Spectacle in a Tragedy Scene Description (Page 204)
A central door and two lateral doors open onto a platform which runs the length of the facade. On the platform, right and left, are altars.
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This description of Oedipus’s palace in Thebes is established before the first character steps onstage. The scene is not particularly complex, and does not change much as the story progresses.

8. Spectacle in a Tragedy Oedipus (Lines 3-4)
“Why have you strewn yourselves before these altars In supplication, with your boughs and garlands?”
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Oedipus describes the scene as he enters for the first time, which allows the reader to fully take in the image of his palace.

9. Spectacle in a Tragedy
Spectacle in Oedipus Rex fits Aristotle’s definition because
the scene is not particularly complex
the entire play takes place within the same setting
the spectacle (palace of Thebes) is not used to arouse emotions of the audience

10. In Conclusion…
The melodies and spectacles of Oedipus Rex qualify it as a tragedy by Aristotle’s definitions.
This is why Aristotle calls Oedipus Rex “The Most Important Tragedy” and why scholars and students alike still analyze the tragic elements.