Oedipus Rex: Literary Analysis Essay
Create a one-paragraph response to one of the following prompts related to Oedipus Rex.
Prompt 1: Is Oedipus’ downfall due more to fate or free will? Take a stance and defend your position.
Prompt 2: Which character, besides Oedipus, is most responsible for Oedipus’ downfall? Choose one
character and explain your decision.
Prompt 3: Is Oedipus a tragic hero? Review the characteristics of a tragic hero, and defend your
answer using two of the characteristics.
Requirements:
* a well-written thesis (notes will be given in class)
*a minimum of 2 direct quotes from the play
*personal commentary (explanations of how each quote relates to your thesis)
*internal citations with each quote
(ex. (Part II, page 7))
*a minimum of two transitional words or phrases
*a conclusion that sums up the main idea and leaves the reader with an answer to “So what?”
(notes will be given in class)
Things to Avoid:
* contractions
* 1st and 2nd person
(ex. I, me, you, your)
* grammatical errors (reference proofreading marks)
* past tense verbs
Dates to Remember:
Thursday, November 5th: Introduction to assignment/ Notes in class/ Essay organizer
Monday, November 9th: Notes in class/ Begin rough draft
Thursday, November 12th: Rough draft due/ Self edit
Monday, November 16th: Final drafts due (typed, double-spaced)