I introduced the myth of "Oedipus" to you today (Tuesday, October 6th) as a catalyst for understanding Greek Drama. I have included some additional images below from those I shared with you class. This myth is extremely significant, as it illustrates the ancient Greeks desire and ability to take their myths and transfer them to the genre of drama.
Oedipus in his quest to solve the "riddle of the sphinx."
This image depicts Oedipus with two of his children, Antigone and
Ismene, upon learning that he is the guilty party in the death of his father, King
Lauis.
This image depicts a theater troupe performing the play of "Oedipus Rex." The character of Oedipus is in the center, and the chorus members are around him.
IF YOU MISSED CLASS TODAY....
If you missed class today, please read the myth of "Oedipus" located on pages. 268-273 in your textbook. You will have a QUIZ over the myth on THURSDAY! This is a valuable piece of literature, as it was originally written as a narrative, and then transformed to a play by Sophocles. It also contains the literary element of IRONY, which adds to the plot line. We discussed the three different types of IRONY today in class.
In addition, the due date for your nature myth has been changed to Monday, October 13th.
1. Dramatic Irony: This occurs when the audience is aware of specific information that characters are not.
2. Irony of Situation or Situational Irony: This occurs when the outcome of a literary work turns out differently than what the audience originally anticipated.
I used The Illusionist and The Prestige as strong examples of literary work that contain the element of Irony of Situation. If you haven't seen either of these films, you must watch them, as they are both excellent.
3. Verbal Irony: This occurs when a character uses words, but means something completely different. Remember that verbal irony is not meant to be derogatory, where as sarcasm is meant to be painful.
YOUR QUIZ covering Oedipus.....
After the introduction you had today to Oedipus, and upon reading the myth, it becomes obvious that the literary tool of irony is significant to the plot of this story. For your quiz on Thursday, you will respond to ONE of FOUR quotes. I will ask that you explain the irony of the chosen question in relationship to the plot of Oedipus. Your response must be thorough. Responding with, "This section is ironic because Oedipus does not realize Laius is his father," is not detailed enough. You will need to explain ALL the circumstances behind the quote that you "pull from the bag." You will not be able to use your textbook or notes for the quiz. This is why you must READ YOUR MYTH, my fine young friends! You do have access to the questions, as they are below, and you can consider a strong response for each one.
1. "He left his home, Corinth, where he was held to be the son of the king, Polybus, and the reason for his self exile was another Delphic oracle. Apollo had declared that he was fated to kill his father."
2. "...whoever had murdered King Laius must be punished. Oedipus was relieved. Surely the man or men could be found after all these years, and they should know well how to punish him."
3. He spoke to his people..."Let no one of this land give him shelter. Bar him from your homes, as one defiled, companioned by pollution. And solemnly I pray, may he who killed wear out his life in evil, being evil."
4. "No one suffered more than Oedipus. He regard himself as the father of the whole state; the people in it were his children; the misery of each one was his too."
I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday! Please don't miss class!
The deadly Sirens...avoid their song!
6. Identify this Greek god (Greek and Roman names, please).
10. What is this? Identify the characters associated with this symbol and in what capacity. How is this ancient symbol relevant to people living in the 21st century?
11. Identify this character. Explain why he is in this unfortunate circumstance.
16.Identify this Greek character.
