1. OEDIPUS THE KING As we read the play, keep a T-chart (to be turned in later) that lists the following: Quotes that show Oedipus’ flaws Quotes that show Oedipus’ admirable traits

2. Sometimes when writing, we write just the basics. However, impressive writing usually includes descriptive details/words. For example, instead of saying: “My bed is big and comfortable”, you could add to the sentence this way: “My enormous, soft, fluffy bed with its vibrant red and black flower print comforter was calling my name, begging me to fall into it.” In order to improve your essays this weekend, practice using descriptive details and words by adding details/words to the following sentences: 1. I saw my mother’s sad face. 2. I looked out my window to my green lawn. 3. I remember looking at my paper and seeing the F on it.

3.  Bring textbook Tuesday.  Late portfolio pieces will be signed until next Thursday; after that, NOTHING will be signed from a non-English class.  You may want to double-check what has been signed off to make sure you are good.  Missing portfolios/portfolio pieces list will be passed around.  Autobiographical Incident Essays are due _______!  Follow the organization format.  Include diction, detail and imagery.  Make sure it clearly reveals a difficult expectation that is established by a particular cultural group.

4. STANDARDS Reading 3.7c: Evaluate the philosophical, political, religious, ethical and social influences of the historical period that shaped the characters, plots and settings.

5. Before we read, consider the following that is important to understanding characters:  The Greeks believed that Oracles were women (50+ years old) who were inspired with knowledge from the gods.  The oracle’s statements influenced the decisions of the private lives of people as well as of public policy.  The oracle at Delphi was said to communicate the will of Zeus through his son– Apollo. She lived apart from her husband and answered questions, out of sight, from inside a temple set up for Apollo.  Although unseen, the oracle’s words were recorded by priests.

6. Characters (continued…):  Prophets, or seers, were believed to have knowledge of interpreting signs of what was to come (i.e. predict the future).  Like Oracles, prophets would interpret the will of the gods, but were not connected with religious institutions.  A person became a prophet by claiming to be able to predict the future… which meant that some prophets were questioned as genuine prophets.  Who in Oedipus the King is an oracle, and who is a prophet?

7. REMEMBER YOUR PARTS: 1. Oedipus 2. The Priest 3. Creon 4. The Chorus 5. The Leader (of the Chorus) 6. Tiresias 7. Jocasta 8. A Messenger, guard and attendants 9. A Shepherd 10. Priests of Thebes

8. Let us read! (Interactive Reader)