Oedipus Rex: Tragedy
Directions: Evaluate Oedipus Rex as a tragedy. First, review Aristotle’s definition of tragedy by filling in
the blanks in the characteristics below. Use your notes packet. Then, find evidence from the play that
the story as well as the character of Oedipus DO fit Aristotle’s definition. Your evidence should be in the
form of a quotation and citation from the text followed by an explanation of the quotation and how it fits
Aristotle’s definition.
Characteristic
An element of
____________________, a
reversal in which the
_______________ of what is
intended actually occurs
An element of
___________________, a
sudden __________________ in
which the main character realizes
the _______
A hero who is generally
________
The hero must have a fall.
A hero whose own tragic
______________________, or
______________________ is
partly responsible for his fall
The hero begins with
___________________
The hero ends with
____________
Evidence
Oedipus Rex: Tragedy
Directions: Evaluate Oedipus Rex as a tragedy according to Aristotle’s definition. First, identify seven
aspects of the definition that can be analyzed with the use of evidence from the text (for example, do NOT
evaluate beginning, middle, and end. This is not provable with one quotation from the text). For each,
determine whether Oedipus Rex fits or does not fit the characteristic. Your evidence should be in the
form of a quotation from the text (with a citation) followed by an explanation of the quotation and how it
does or does not fit Aristotle’s definition.
Characteristic
Evidence
Does it Fit or Not
Fit?
CHALLENGE: Write a paragraph summarizing your overall findings. Overall, does Oedipus Rex fit
Aristotle’s definition or not? Be sure to use evidence to support your answer.
Oedipus Rex: Tragedy
Review your notes on Aristotle’s definition of tragedy and the tragic hero and evaluate Oedipus Rex. Do Oedipus Rex the
play and Oedipus Rex the character fit Aristotle’s definition or not? Write a one-page essay defending your position.
You must have evidence in the form of specific quotations to support your opinion (4 quotations minimum). You might
want to brainstorm and create a graphic organizer to help you get started. For example, you might create a chart that lists
the characteristics and then determine whether or not you can find evidence of those characteristics in the form of
quotations. Be sure to organize your essay and begin with an overall thesis statement!
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