What is the theme of the legend of Oedipus?
Guilt and Shame The play begins with a declaration from the oracle at Delphi: Thebes is suffering because the person guilty of the murder of King Laius has not been brought to justice. Oedipus sets himself the task of discovering the guilty party—so guilt, in the legal sense, is central to Oedipus Rex.
How is the opening quotation in paragraph 1 important to the development of the passage’s theme Oedipus?
The opening statement reveals that the story is going to be a tragedy and creates a sense of suspense. The beginning part shows the intelligence and responsibility of Oedipus but in the end, his condition becomes pathetic.
How does Oedipus refer to himself?
Oedipus refers to himself as: “I, Oedipus, whose fame all men acknowledge” (lines 7–8) “I would be a hard-hearted man indeed” (line 14)
What are the two problems in Oedipus Rex?
Some problems in Thebes in Oedipus Rex are that their king was killed, they have a Sphinx terrorizing the town and the plague.
Why is Oedipus Rex considered a tragedy?
Oedipus Rex is a typical classical tragedy because it has the element of tragic setting, atmosphere and mood, tragic character with tragic hamartia, tragic plot design moving to tragic disintegration, and therefore the tragic realization by the character and audience.
How does Oedipus fit the characteristics of a tragic hero?
Oedipus fulfills the three parameters that define the tragic hero. His dynamic and multifaceted character emotionally bonds the audience; his tragic flaw forces the audience to fear for him, without losing any respect; and his horrific punishment elicits a great sense of pity from the audience.
What type of character is Romeo?
A young man of about sixteen, Romeo is handsome, intelligent, and sensitive. Though impulsive and immature, his idealism and passion make him an extremely likable character. He lives in the middle of a violent feud between his family and the Capulets, but he is not at all interested in violence.