Greek Theater
Tragedy for Oedipus the King
Today’s learning objective:
SWBAT cite strong and thorough
textual evidence to support analysis of
what Sophocles' Oedipus the King says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn
from the text. ( CCSS.ELA-RL.9-10.1 )
Rate
Yourself
How well can you
cite strong textual
evidence to
support what
Oedipus Rex says
openly as well
as from
inferences
drawn
from the text?
DO NOW: SILENT DISCUSSION
Take two minutes or so to respond to the prompt. When I
give the okay, switch papers with the person to your right. What
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false conclusions does Oedipus reach as a result of
his quarrel with Tiresias? What tendency does this
show us about Oedipus and how will it affect him?
Respond (use your book)
Elaborate
Refute
Ask a clarifying question
Offer an example
Offer a counter argument
WRAP IT UP: Now it’s time to debrief and share. What is
the most insightful or interesting comment on the page?
Rate
Yourself
Again
How well can you
cite strong textual
evidence to
support what
Oedipus Rex says
openly as well
as from
inferences
drawn
from the text?
Strategy: Numbered Heads Together
• Form teams of 4 or 5.
• Within each group , count off from 1-4 or 5. If teams are
uneven, when #5 is called to answer, the #4 person on 4
member teams answers with the #5 people from 5
member teams.
• I’ll ask a question.
• Team members will put their heads together and
collaboratively generate an answer.
• Members of the team make sure each member can answer
the question.
• I’ll call a number. All students assigned that number stand
- one of these students is selected to answer the question.
Homework Question #2, Scene 1
• List 5 important points
Oedipus makes in his
Proclamation to all Thebans.
Homework Question #7, Scene 1
• Who is Teiresias? Why might
he be helpful? How many
times has Oedipus called for
him?
Homework Question #8
• What is ironic about Teiresias
himself? What is Oedipus’
attitude toward him?
Homework Question #11, Scene 1
• Explain “Now it is my misery;
then it would be yours.”
Homework Question #13, Scene 1
Explain “It is bound to come.”
Homework Question #18, Scene 1
Who else does Oedipus feel is
against him? Why?
Homework Question #1, Ode 1
Give evidence that the chorus is
on the side of Oedipus.
Homework Question #3, Ode 1
Why does the chorus seem so
confused?
Rate
Yourself
Again
How well can you
cite strong textual
evidence to
support what
Oedipus Rex says
openly as well
as from
inferences
drawn
from the text?
EXPANDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE Greek Drama & Theatre Activity
• Believe it or not, springtime is just around the corner so it’s
time for the Annual Festivals to the God Dionysus (which
started with the “Cult of Dionysus” – god of fertility and
wine)
• You and your group will take on the role of producing a
drama presentation of Oedipus the King. First, decide who
will be the director. That person will tell the three-actor cast
their roles, staging, costumes, etc.
• Although Festivals ran for three days, you will need to be
ready for a presentation at the start of our next class.
– Ten Judges will select a Winner and Award Prizes
• Remember – Attendance is a Civic and Religious Duty so
you’ll need to notify someone in your group if you can not
attend.
– Admission is Free just as it was 2,500 years ago
Greek Drama Continued
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The Parts and Evolution of the Theater
Chorus: Originally only a Chorus (group of men) Sang the
Stories on and danced on stage (originally 50, then it later
became 15 men), but for this assignment, the chorus will be
made up of guys and gals.
Actors: No more than three actors (otherwise known as
“Thespians”) on stage at any time
No violence visible on stage
You and your group will be evaluated on your interpretation,
acting, effort and depiction of this classic tragedy.
What is classical tragedy?
• Tragedy depicts the downfall of a noble hero or
heroine—he/she isn’t perfect, but certainly moral –
despite this, they FALL
What is classical tragedy?
• This usually happens because of some sort of error in
judgment (hamartia), due to a flaw in character
What is classical tragedy?
• The character flaw is often hubris (extreme
pride/arrogance), making the hero believe he can
outwit anything; this often leads to error
What is classical tragedy?
• The tragic hero's powerful wish to achieve some
goal always encounters limits, usually those of
human frailty (flaws in reason, arrogance, society),
or the gods (through oracles, prophets, fate).
What is classical tragedy?
• This leads to a catastrophe resulting in a reversal in
fortune—character goes from high to low
What is classical tragedy?
• The ultimate emotional effect a tragedy is supposed
to inspire in the audience is pity and fear – This was
supposed to lead to a catharsis (emotional cleansing)
What is classical tragedy?
• In addition, the tragic hero (and audience) may
achieve some revelation or recognition about
human fate, destiny, and the will of the gods.