Oedipus Rex
Reading Log
Name_______________________________________________
Period _________
Oedipus Rex Reading Log
As we are reading and listening to Oedipus, you will be responsible for keeping a reading log. You will need a completed log for each section
we are assigned to read. Each act will be worth 20 points.
MOTIF
Select a motif from the play to track as you read. Give the textual reference including citation which contains the motif and then tell how
the motif plays a role in the drama. What does it symbolize?
a. Vision
For Citations, please use the line number
b. graves and tombs
Example:
c. light and dark
“Speak Up, Old Man. Your years, your dignity – you should
d. Feet
speak for others” (9-10).
CHARACTER
Select a character (Oedipus, Creon, Teiresias, Jocasta). One of these characters will typically be in a scene you are analyzing. For each scene,
choose an important quote which reveals something about the character. You will then respond to what this quote reveals about the
personality or state of the character.
ALLUSION
Find an allusion in the play (there are tons of mythological allusions) and analyze why Sophocles chose to allude to that particular God.
What is the intended effect of the allusion?
LITERARY TERM
Find a literary term used in this section of the reading. You MAY NOT USE something simple like plot, characterization, setting. Please
think along the lines of allusion, simile, metaphor, irony, etc. Please cite the textual reference containing the term and then tell how your
chosen example illustrates this term and the role it plays in the drama.
THEMES
Select one of the following essential questions to follow as it develops throughout the play. Choose a quote which reveals this theme and
then respond to how the quote connects to and represents your chosen theme.
 The struggle between fate and free will
 The effects of guilt and shame
 The willingness to ignore the truth
 Sight does not always allow true insight
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/REFLECTIONS
As you read, fill in the grids with appropriate information and comments. Beneath your grid, jot down your reactions to the selection as a
whole. YOU MUST INCLUDE THIS PART.
PROLOGUE – SCENE 1 (LINES 1 – 526)
MOTIF:
CHARACTER:
Textual Reference:
Textual Reference:
How and why does it appear in this selection?
What does this quote reveal about the character?
ALLUSION:
LITERARY TERM:
Textual Reference:
Textual Reference:
Why did Sophocles choose this allusion?
How is this quote an example of this term?
THEME:
COMMENTS/REFLECTIONS:
Textual Reference:
How does this quote reveal the theme?
SCENES 2 and 3 (LINES 527-1194)
MOTIF:
CHARACTER:
Textual Reference:
Textual Reference:
How and why does it appear in this selection?
What does this quote reveal about the character?
ALLUSION:
LITERARY TERM:
Textual Reference:
Textual Reference:
Why did Sophocles choose this allusion?
How is this quote an example of this term?
THEME:
COMMENTS/REFLECTIONS:
Textual Reference:
How does this quote reveal the theme?
SCENE 4 and EXODUS (LINES 1195-1685)
MOTIF:
CHARACTER:
Textual Reference:
Textual Reference:
How and why does it appear in this selection?
What does this quote reveal about the character?
ALLUSION:
LITERARY TERM:
Textual Reference:
Textual Reference:
Why did Sophocles choose this allusion?
How is this quote an example of this term?
THEME:
COMMENTS/REFLECTIONS:
Textual Reference:
How does this quote reveal the theme?