Oedipus Rex

All The World Is A Stage

Learning Context

 

Purpose/Goals

The purpose of this lesson is to ensure the student gain an insight into Greek tragedy and such concepts such as fate, hubris, (dramatic) irony, and how the power of literature speaks to us across the ages.  The student will also learn the origin and the development of drama in Athens in the 6th and 5th centuries BC.

Enduring Understanding

1. A tragic hero/heroine is noble by birth.
2. The tragic hero/heroine has a tragic flaw (hubris).
3. The tragic hero/heroine falls from greatness, and endures suffering on a grand scale.
4. The tragic hero/heroine has a reversal of fortune.

 

Essential Questions

1. How is the character’s tragic flaw both a burden and a virtue?

guiding Questions

1. What are the seven conventions of classical tragedy, as set forth by the Macedonian philosopher Aristotle, that are represented in “Oedipus Rex”?
2. How does the medieval concept of tragedy differ from that of classical literature?
3. Why is “Oedipus Rex” considered a tragedy?
4. Why is Oedipus considered a tragic hero?
5. What qualities does Oedipus demonstrate that supports the play being a tragedy?
6. How does a character meet literary and historical definition of "tragic hero"?
7. How would you interpret the role of the chorus?

Overview of What Students Need to Know

Prior to Learning Experience:

- Classroom rules

- Classroom procedures

- Students should understand and be able to apply the following literary terms and concepts: characterization, tone, and point of view.

During and after the implementation of LE:
Throughout the learning experience, students will explore the concept of the 'tragic hero' and how such a character is relevant in theatre, literature, and history. Students will explore how various literary and historic characters meet the criteria necessary to be classified as 'tragic heroes'.  At the conclusion of the lesson the student will be able to interpret and connect the conventions Aristotle set forth to the conventions that establish Oedipus Rex as a tragedy. The student will also be able to list and identify such conventions.

Key Subject-Specific Vocabulary:  List of definitions

anagnorisis, antagonist, antistrophe, chorus, climax, conflict, dramatic irony, fiction, flashback, foreshadow, fortune wheel, hubris, irony, perepeteia, protagonist, soliloquy, sphinx, strophe, tragedy, tragic flaw, tragic hero, unity of time

Classroom Rules

Please:

1. One person talks at a time.     

2. Follow directions given by the teacher immediately.

3. Remain in your assigned seats unless you have permission to move.

4. Use professional language at all times. (Do not use profanity)

5. No cell phones, MP3 players or any other electronic devices.  No exceptions.                       

Classroom Rules with Icons

Classrooms Procedures

Letter Home To Parent(s)