Sophocles

Who were the three great Greek tragedians mentioned in the notes?

Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides.

What are the three ‘Theban plays’ written by Sophocles?

Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone.

What is the key theme of Oedipus Rex related to knowledge and sight?

The theme of Blindness, illustrating that while Oedipus can physically see, he is blind to the truth of his past and future.

What does the Riddle of the Sphinx symbolize in Oedipus Rex?

It symbolizes the journey of man through life stages: crawling as a baby, walking as an adult, and using a cane in old age.

What does the name 'Oedipus' mean in Greek?

It means 'swollen foot'.

What is the significance of Teirisias in Oedipus Rex?

He is the blind seer who reveals to Oedipus that he is the killer of Laius.

What tragedy occurs at the end of Oedipus Rex?

Jocasta hangs herself, and Oedipus gouges out his eyes after realizing the truth.

What philosophical question does Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex ask?

Are we masters of our own fate, or are we victims of the gods?

What is the Oedipus Complex as proposed by Sigmund Freud?

A theory where young boys develop a romantic attraction to their mothers and hostility towards their fathers.

In Antigone, what conflict does the character of Creon represent?

The conflict between man-made laws (nomos) and natural laws (phusis).

What ultimately happens to Antigone in the play?

She is sentenced to death for burying her brother Polynices, and eventually hangs herself.

What consequence does Creon face after the events of Antigone?

He suffers the grief of losing his loved ones due to his decisions.

In which year was Oedipus Rex produced?

431 BCE.

What is the relationship between Oedipus and Jocasta?

Jocasta is both Oedipus’ mother and wife.

What occurs in Oedipus at Colonus?

Oedipus and his daughter Antigone arrive in Colonus where Oedipus ultimately dies.