1. Write a paragraph describing how Oedipus Rex has unity of action. This involves outlining each scene and showing how it automatically and necessarily leads into the next scene, culminating with the end of the play. Each of the scenes in Oedipus Rex is part of the cause-and-effect chain. The plague in Thebes prompts Oedipus to send Creon to consult the oracle of Delphi; the oracle’s reply that the murderer of Laius must be banished from Thebes prompts Oedipus announce a solemn curse on the murderer and to send for Teiresias. Teriesias then accuses Oedipus as the murderer. The quarrel of Oedipus and Creon brings Jocasta from the house. Jocasta tells story of the murder of Laius. When she mentions that he was killed “at a place where three roads meet,” Oedipus begins to suspect himself that has killed the king without knowing his identity. To settle the matter, they send for the Herdsman who is the only survivor of …show more content…
In what way did you personally feel the tragic emotions of pity and fear while reading
Oedipus Rex? What were you afraid of and why? Who did you feel pity for and why? Do you think that Aristotle was right when he said that the goal of tragedy was a katharsis of pity and fear in the spectator? Did you feel a katharsis? If not, do you think you would have if you saw the tragedy and didn’t read it?
When reading Oedipus Rex, I personally came out more tragic emotions of pity than the fear. Since I already know the story and how tragic it would end, I felt sad for Oedipus because he got over his journey without knowing who he really is. In this premise, I was afraid of reading the downfall of the story due to the innocent Creon and their children. In my opinion, I don’t think the goal of tragedy was a katharsis of pity and fear in the spectator since I do not feel the purification of my emotion after reading the play. Perhaps the performance of the play could have more infectant power of purification. Reading the plot, however, does not release my