Greek TheaterTragedy for Oedipus the King

Today’s learning objective: SWBAT cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what Sophocles' Oedipus the King says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. ( CCSS.ELA-RL.9-10.1 )

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How well can you cite strong textual evidence to support what Oedipus Rex says openly as well as from inferences drawn from the text?

DO NOW: SILENT DISCUSSIONTake two minutes or so to respond to the prompt. When Igive the okay, switch papers with the person to your right. What false conclusions does Oedipus reach as a result of his quarrel with Tiresias? What tendency does this show us about Oedipus and how will it affect him?

• Respond (use your book)• Elaborate• Refute• Ask a clarifying question• Offer an example• Offer a counter argument• WRAP IT UP: Now it’s time to debrief and

share. What is the most insightful or interesting comment on the page?

Rate Yourself

Again How well can

you cite strong textual evidence to support what Oedipus Rex says openly as well as from inferences drawn from the text?

Strategy: Numbered Heads Together• Form teams of 4 or 5.• Within each group , count off from 1-4 or 5.

If teams are uneven, when #5 is called to answer, the #4 person on 4 member teams answers with the #5 people from 5 member teams.

• I’ll ask a question.• Team members will put their heads together

and collaboratively generate an answer.• Members of the team make sure each

member can answer the question.• I’ll call a number. All students assigned that

number stand - one of these students is selected to answer the question.

Homework Question #2, Scene 1• List 5 important points Oedipus makes in his Proclamation to all Thebans.

Homework Question #7, Scene 1• Who is Teiresias? Why might he be helpful? How many times has Oedipus called for him?

Homework Question #8

• What is ironic about Teiresias himself? What is Oedipus’ attitude toward him?

Homework Question #11, Scene 1• Explain “Now it is my misery; then it would be yours.”

Homework Question #13, Scene 1Explain “It is bound to come.”

Homework Question #18, Scene 1Who else does Oedipus feel is against him? Why?

Homework Question #1, Ode 1Give evidence that the chorus is on the side of Oedipus.

Homework Question #3, Ode 1Why does the chorus seem so confused?

Rate Yourself

Again How well can

you cite strong textual evidence to support what Oedipus Rex says openly as well as from inferences drawn from the text?

EXPANDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE - Greek Drama & Theatre Activity• Believe it or not, springtime is just around the

corner so it’s time for the Annual Festivals to the God Dionysus (which started with the “Cult of Dionysus” – god of fertility and wine)

• You and your group will take on the role of producing a drama presentation of Oedipus the King. First, decide who will be the director. That person will tell the three-actor cast their roles, staging, costumes, etc.

• Although Festivals ran for three days, you will need to be ready for a presentation at the start of our next class.

–Ten Judges will select a Winner and Award Prizes

• Remember – Attendance is a Civic and Religious Duty so you’ll need to notify someone in your group if you can not attend.

–Admission is Free just as it was 2,500 years ago

Greek Drama Continued

The Parts and Evolution of the Theater• Chorus: Originally only a Chorus (group of

men) Sang the Stories on and danced on stage (originally 50, then it later became 15 men), but for this assignment, the chorus will be made up of guys and gals.

• Actors: No more than three actors (otherwise known as “Thespians”) on stage at any time

• No violence visible on stage• You and your group will be evaluated on your

interpretation, acting, effort and depiction of this classic tragedy.

What is classical tragedy?• Tragedy depicts the downfall of a noble

hero or heroine—he/she isn’t perfect, but certainly moral – despite this, they FALL

What is classical tragedy?• This usually happens because of some

sort of error in judgment (hamartia), due to a flaw in character

What is classical tragedy?• The character flaw is often hubris

(extreme pride/arrogance), making the hero believe he can outwit anything; this often leads to error

What is classical tragedy?

• The tragic hero's powerful wish to achieve some goal always encounters limits, usually those of human frailty (flaws in reason, arrogance, society), or the gods (through oracles, prophets, fate).

What is classical tragedy?

• This leads to a catastrophe resulting in a reversal in fortune—character goes from high to low

What is classical tragedy?

• The ultimate emotional effect a tragedy is supposed to inspire in the audience is pity and fear – This was supposed to lead to a catharsis (emotional cleansing)

What is classical tragedy?

• In addition, the tragic hero (and audience) may achieve some revelation or recognition about human fate, destiny, and the will of the gods.