1. Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles
English 10

2. Before we read… Why is Ancient Greece important?
Why do we study works from that time?

3. Sophocles 496 BCE-406 BCE

4. Athenian Democracy

6. Greek Theaters

8. As for literature and Ancient Greece:
The Greeks developed the basic model for drama.
The chorus, was a group of dancers who chanted/sang. This represents the voice of the citizens.
Dramas were a part of religious festivals
Listen for the religious themes, especially when the chorus speaks

9. A reimagined Greek Chorus

10. In medea res
Oedipus is already king – HAS already been king for years – when the action of Oedipus Rex starts.

11. How did he get there? He solved the riddle of the Sphinx:
What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three in the evening?
How was Oedipus able to solve this? What can you say about him?
Ask them to solve this riddle – some will already know it, so ask them not to give away the answer.

12. Class reading Parts for Oedipus Priest Creon Chorus Chorus leader
Tiresias
Jocasta