Recording-2025-02-24T04:29:32.848Z

Background of Oedipus Rex

• Written by Sophocles.

• Sophocles lived from circa 496 BCE - 406 BCE.

• Innovations in tragedy:

  • Added the third actor.

  • This reduced reliance on the chorus by developing characters more deeply.

Greek Theater History

• Dithyrams were the precursor to tragedy.

• Vespas introduced the first actor who would speak alone.

• Aeschylus added the second actor.

• Sophocles' introduction of a third actor allowed for more complex narratives.

Major Playwrights and Context

• Notable playwrights include:

  • Aeschylus - Known for the trilogy Oresteia:

    • Agamemnon: Agamemnon is killed by his wife Clytemnestra.

    • Libation Bearers: Orestes kills Clytemnestra.

  • Euripides: Did not connect plots like Aeschylus.

Key Elements of Oedipus's Backstory

• Laius: King of Thebes, received a prophecy about his son.

• Prophecy states that Laius' son will kill him and marry his mother.

• Laius and Jocasta abandon their newborn child to prevent the prophecy.

• The child is raised by Polybus and Merope, the king and queen of Corinth, who name him Oedipus (meaning clubfoot).

Oedipus's Journey

• At adulthood, discovers his true identity and the prophecy.

• Visits the oracle at Delphi, learns he will kill his father and marry his mother.

• Attempts to avoid fate by leaving Corinth.

• Kills his biological father Laius unknowingly at a crossroads.

• Solves the riddle of the Sphinx to become king of Thebes and marries Jocasta.

• Tragedy begins with a plague affecting Thebes.

Structure of Greek Tragedy

• Prologue: Exposition and background information provided.

• Parodos: Chorus comments on the situation.

• Episodes: Main action/plot events, details of the story unfold.

• Odes: Chorus reflects on the events occurring in episodes.

• Exodus: Conclusion of the play, often involves wisdom or moral advice from the chorus.

Scenic Devices in Greek Theater

• Panakis: Wooden frame with cloth or stone for decoration.

• Periaktoi: Triangular structure with three panakis for scene changes.

• Ekkakuma: Platform on wheels to display aftermath of violence offstage.

• Machina: Crane for lifting actors to represent flight or divinity.

• Deus Ex Machina: Concept of a sudden, unexpected resolution to a plot, originally refers to gods appearing via the machina.

Conclusion

• This overview provides context for understanding Oedipus Rex and the structure of Greek tragedies, alongside the innovations brought by playwrights like Sophocles.