Journal Topic
“A big decision I’ve made…or will have to make
one day”
(consider: what’s involved in making big
decisions
The Road Not Taken
Essential Question:
How does irony play a role
in scene 3 of the play?
Storyline
A. Jocasta states that since old prophecies are false,
new ones are too.
B. Messenger from Corinth arrives – Corinth’s king,
Polybus has died
C. Corinth wants Oedipus to return home to reign
D. Jocasta – this proves prophecies can’t come to pass
E. Oedipus is wary – his mother is still alive
Storyline (cont.)
F. Messenger – Polybus and Merope are not your
G.
H.
I.
J.
parents – I gave you (as baby) to them
Laius’ shepherd gave baby (with bound feet) to the
messenger
Shepherd is sought for, Oedipus determined to
learn truth, Jocasta wants Oedipus to forget search
for truth
Jocasta distraught – has realized the truth about
Oedipus
Oedipus eagerly pursues the truth about his birth –
unaware of the implications of what he has heard
Storyline (Key Lines)
“Why should anyone in this world be afraid since Fate
rules us and nothing can be foreseen? A man should
live only for the present day.”
L. “…you still do not know what you are doing” (l. 957)
M. “Can you not see that all your fears are groundless?”
(l. 962)
K. “You are fatally wrong! May you never learn who you
are!” (l. 1013)
L. “How could I wish that I were someone else? How
could I not be glad to know my birth?” (ll. 10281029)
K.
Irony and plot twists
A. Messenger – good news which brings grief (ll.
891-892)
B. Oedipus’ outburst of joy (ll. 915-923)
C. Jocasta’s reaction to Polybus’ death (“this news is
wonderful” – l. 937)
D. Messenger’s surprise – “Polybus was not your
father.”
E. Found on Cithaeron (ll. 972-980 see p. 228)
F. Jocasta tries to end Oedipus’ inquiry (ll. 10001018)
Developing Themes
A. Theme – central idea or insight of a work of
literature. The idea the writer wants to create about
the subject.
Ex. The subject in the movie, The Wizard of Oz is
about going home. The theme of the story is that
we sometimes fail to appreciate all the
positives/benefits of our homes, thinking that
something better awaits us elsewhere (the cliché that
sums this idea up best is “the grass is always greener
on the other side.”
Developing Themes (cont.)
B. Emerging thematic issues in Oedipus Rex:
1. The willingness to ignore truth
2. The limits of free-will
3. The cause and nature of human suffering
4. The importance of self-knowledge
Developing Themes (cont.)
C. Motifs - patterns, ideas, contrasts, literary
devices used to present themes
1. Blindness vs. Sight
2. Dramatic Irony
Developing Themes (cont.)
D. Symbolism - something used to represent
something else
1. the crossroad (decision/fate)
2. Oedipus’ swollen feet (fate, limitations,
flaw)
Developing Themes (cont.)
E. Tragic Flaw (Hamartia)
1. Hubris – excessive pride
2. Oedipus becomes hopeful/eager with the news of
the messenger from Corinth but
a. Ignores Jocasta’s growing dread
b. Fails to make connections to Jocasta’s story