Greek Literature
Oedipus
Name: _____________________________________
Oedipus and His Road to Virtue
Directions: For each action or decision listed below, state the virtue, value, or character trait in Oedipus that
motivates his behavior. Then answer the questions that follow.
Action/Decision
Motivating virtue(s), value(s), or character trait(s)
Leaves Corinth
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Kills Laius
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Defeats Sphinx
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Rid Thebes of Plague
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Sends Creon to Delphi
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Sends for Teiresias
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Denies Teriesias’ words
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Seeks Witness
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Blinds Self
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Renounces Position
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Questions:
1. What kind of heroic traits did Oedipus possess prior to entering Thebes?
2. Does Oedipus change internally from the beginning of the play to the end? Explain your reasoning.
3. In terms of being heroic, does Oedipus become more or less of a hero? Justify your answer.
4. How does Oedipus achieve—or NOT achieve— arête? Explain.
HOW DEFINED IS HUMAN DESTINY?
Oedipus Rex vividly presents the conflict of several strong-willed and prideful people who each acted according to a
personal sense of duty, conscience, and a belief that they could control their own destiny. Reflect briefly upon the
decisions and actions of Laius, Oedipus, and Jocasta. Each of them tried to escape a fate that had been predetermined for
them, and each of them ultimately met their destruction. Although today’s society may hold differing opinions about fate
or predestination, something might still be learned about the flaw each of these characters held to the point of their own
demise: stubborn pride. The only note of hope is the humility and self-knowledge Oedipus gains at the end of the play
and his ultimate self-sacrifice for his people.
IMPLICATIONS
(1.) In a great piece of literature, the thoughts and questions of the author and the problems of the characters continue to
have deep meaning through the ages. Consider the following statements from the play. Has time made them “antiquated”
or do they still have meaning for us today? Respond briefly below but be specific.
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“To throw away an honest friend is, as it were, to throw your life away…” (l. 611-13)
“Time is the only test of honest men,” (l. 615)
“What man on earth wins more of happiness than a seeming and after that turning away?” (l. 1190-92)
[trans: “Joy is but for a moment—an illusion that quickly fades”]
“troubles hurt the most when they prove self-inflicted” (l. 1231-32)
“In season, all is good” (l. 1517) (often translated, “time eases all things”)
“Do not seek to be master in everything, for the things you mastered did not follow you throughout your life.” (l.
1522-23)
Response: _________________________________________________________________________________
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(2.) In real life, it is often difficult to know people’s true motives for their actions. But in a work of literature the author
can show us the minds and hearts of the characters. Which of the following motives or qualities could belong to Oedipus
and which to Jocasta or Creon? List the names of characters beside the traits that best describe them.
Courage
Duty
Pride
Power
Loyalty to family
Religious belief
Patriotism
Anger
Selfishness
Stubbornness
Logic
Wisdom
Is Oedipus all right or all wrong? Explain.
Which motives are the better ones? Why?
Do you agree or disagree with the following statements. Explain your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Sophocles presents Oedipus as a typical villain and gives him no “saving virtues.”
In the end, Oedipus is more victim than either villain or hero.
(3.) The conflict of wills in this play results from the internal conflict and motives of the characters. Using one of these
pairs, demonstrate and support your knowledge and opinion regarding the conflict and motives of the characters. Write
your thoughts on a separate sheet of paper.
Oedipus & Teiresias
Oedipus & Creon
Jocasta & Oedipus