Short Fiction: A Study of Genre

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 4

11th Grade

Lesson 10 of 15

Objective


Analyze how Sophocles develops his message about fate and humanity in the final portion of the play.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles (from The Theban Plays)  pp. 35 – 56

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What role does fate play in Oedipus’s life? Explain.

Human beings cannot be held responsible for their actions—it is all in the hands of fate. To what extent do you agree with this statement? To what degree does Sophocles seem to agree with this statement? How do you know?

Key Questions


  • Where is Jocasta? Why is this ironic?
  • Where is this messenger from? What message does he bring? Is this good or bad news for Oedipus, based on what you, the reader, know?
  • What conclusion do Oedipus and Jocasta come to based on the messenger’s news?

  • What is Jocasta’s message to Oedipus about living in fear?
  • Why does the messenger tell Oedipus he has nothing to fear?
  • How do Oedipus’s actions and words help to develop his hamartia?

  • How does Sophocles show us that the shepherd is reluctant to share what he knows? Trace the multiple techniques he uses.
  • What does Oedipus realize?

  • Summarize the chorus’ speech. 

  • What happens to Jocasta?
  • What does Oedipus do in response according to the messenger’s speech? And why does Oedipus do this rather than joining Jocasta in suicide? Track his explanations.
  • Note references to seeing and blindness throughout the final scene of the play. How are they helping to develop theme?
  • How does Sophocles develop Oedipus as a tragic figure, and not a monster, in these final moments of the play? How does he evoke sympathy?
  • Who does Oedipus ask to see? Why?
  • How would you describe Creon’s actions at the end of the play? How do they contrast with his earlier statements about power?
  • What is the chorus’ final message to the audience?
  • How does Sophocles use Oedipus and his blindness as a metaphor for all of humanity?
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Lesson 9

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Lesson 11

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