Oedipus Structure
Ancient Philosophy
Parts
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Prologue
Parodos
First Episode
First Choral Ode
Second Episode
Second Choral Ode
Third Episode
Third Choral Ode
Fourth Episode
Fourth Choral Ode
Fifth Episode
Fifth Choral Ode
Exodos
Prologue
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The effect of the plague on Thebes
Oedipus and priest
Oedipus and Creon
Oedipus as savior
Parodos
• Entry of the chorus of Thebans.
• Prayers to various gods to aid Thebes
Episode 1
• the response of Oedipus: "let me
answer...."
• the curse of Oedipus
• Oedipus and Tiresias: "the murderer is
here"
Choral Ode 1
• the oracle of Apollo.
• Description of murderer as animal.
• Man's ignorance.
Episode 2
• The beginnings of the truth
• Oedipus & Creon
– conspiracy charge
• Oedipus & Jocasta
– doubts about oracles
Choral Ode 2
• tyrant's pride
• Effect of religious scepticism and impiety.
– "why should I honour the gods?"
Episode 3
• The truth revealed
• prayer of Jocasta
• Oedipus, Jocasta, the messenger
– Oedipus is not the son of Polybus
• Oedipus believes he is a "son of Chance"
Choral Ode 3
• Speculation about the parentage of
Oedipus.
• Is he the son of a god?
Episode 4
• The truth confirmed
• Oedipus, messenger, herdsman
Choral Ode 4
• "the generations of men"
• Oedipus as man of misery
Episode 5
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Death of Jocasta & the blinding of
Oedipus
• Messenger speech
• Oedipus & chorus
• Oedipus & Creon
– Oedipus’ requests denied
• Oedipus as polluted criminal
Exodus
• Count no man happy before he is dead