Unraveling the Riddle of Oedipus Study Guide PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER’S STUDY GUIDE Oedipus the King by Sophocles Translated by William Butler Yeats September 28 – October 29‚ 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS SOPHOCLES Sophocles’ Life 3 Works by Sophocles 4 THOUGHTS FROM THE DIRECTOR 5 OEDIPUS THE KING Synopsis 6 Characters 7 Glossary 8 The Translator 9 Themes 10 The Riddle of the Sphinx 11 ANCIENT GREECE Daily Life 12 Why Ancient
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Compare and contrast Creon’s and Oedipus’ characteristics and behaviors In the play “Oedipus Rex” Sophocles portrays two characters‚ Oedipus and Creon‚ as rulers of Thebes. After the murder of Laius‚ former King of Thebes‚ Oedipus became leader when he killed the Sphinx. Some time later‚ Creon became King of Thebes as the result of his nephew’s deaths. Oedipus is a good ruler in spite of his defects. Creon is a bad ruler in spite of his virtues. Oedipus is seen as a good leader. He demonstrates
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tell the suppliants to lift up their olive boughs as they depart? The Parados 1. In strophe 1‚ what does the chorus ask? 2. In antistrophe 1‚ to which god and goddesses does the chorus appeal for rest from their suffering? 3. What is the message of the chorus in strophe 3 and antistrophe 3? Oedipus Meets Teiresias 1. What is the substance of Oedipus’ pledge to the people of Thebes? 2. What might be suggested by the fact that Oedipus had to send twice for Teiresias? 3. Why does Teiresias
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disappear when in use of the Ring of Gyges. 2. Eteocles and Polyneices are brothers and appear in the play of Antigone by Sophocles. Polyneices is the next one in line to rule Thebes but with the support from Creon‚ Eteocles claims the throne for himself. Polyneices then assembles armies from other city-states to attack Thebes and claim his throne‚ which he almost
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passages are the most representative choral lyrics of Oedipus and its dilemma. The first passage by the Chorus is about Human against divine justice. The speaker of the passage is the Chorus‚ who can interpret as representation of the human being. It describes the distinctive human behaviors such as keep its own faith to the Gods and hoping to live according to the laws of the Gods. As the Chorus narrates‚ “I only ask to live with pure faith keeping in word and deed that Law which spans the sky made
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touched upon the diverse political and analytical roles the chorus plays in this scene and how Creon supposedly acts in favor of the state by not according Polynices a proper burial. The chorus has a dialogue‚ which serves as a direct comment on the action of the play bringing to the scene the political scenario of the society and the consequences of disobeying the authority that is the head of state. Even though it seems the chorus is siding with Creon and giving large support to following the
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because Antigone is a murderer and understands why he is upset. Creon’s noble quality is his caring for Antigone and Ismene when their father was persecuted. Creon is a very authoritative person and demands control of others. When talking to the Chorus‚ Creon does not ask them to agree with the decree but demands that they follow it. Creon expects loyalty from others. It is apparent that Creon is very dominating and wants to be in control. "The man the city sets up in authority must be obeyed in
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amount of power he had go to his head. His pride and selfishness clouded him from using good judgement. In the beginning of Antigone‚ Creon refuses to let anyone give Polynices‚ Antigone’s brother‚ a proper burial‚ because he “dishonored” his country and family by fighting against Thebes. Creon believes that burying Polynices will cause him to lose his power and control‚ because Polynices was Creon’s enemy. Creon clearly states that any man or woman who disobeys his laws by burying Polynices
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Esli J Gonzalez Short Essay # 1 Week4 February 12‚ 2017 Antigone is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. It deals with Antigone’s burial of her brother Polyneices in defiance of the laws of Creon and the state‚ and the tragic repercussions of her act of civil disobedience. Antigone defies the law‚ buries her brother‚ and is caught. Oedipus had a curse on him that he didn’t know about.Yet Oedipus is stubbornly blind to the truth about himself. King Laius‚ like most kings‚ wanted
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reading Antigone‚ some important descriptions about Creon become apparent. He views himself as the perfect leader‚ believes he is always correct‚ and wants control over people. Creon believes he is the only perfect ruler for Thebes. He believes that he can create a better city with his presence: "I would not be silent if I saw ruin‚…" (p.168 l.203-204). "I would not count any enemy of my country as a friend-" (p.168 l.205-206). He further continues
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