Oedipus at ColonusEnglish 2201The Theban Plays

Genre: Greek Tragedythe word "tragedy" refers primarily to tragic drama:

a central character called a tragic protagonist or hero suffers some serious misfortune.

Tragedy stresses the vulnerability of human beings whose suffering is brought on by a combination of human and divine actions.

Structure of Greek Drama and Sophocles’

PlaysThe structure of Greek Drama:1. Violence and Death Offstage2. Frequent use of messengers to

relate information3. Usually a single place (setting)4. Stories based on myth or history,

but varied interpretations of both

Structure of Greek Drama and Sophocles’

PlaysCharacteristics of a Sophocles’ play:1. Emphasis on individual characters2. Reduced role of the Chorus3. Complex characters, psychological well-motivated4. Characters subjected to crisis which leads to

suffering and self-recognition5. Common Theme: The choices people make and

consequences

TermsProtagonist: The protagonist must be a man of great position and influence in order for the story of his downfall to engage the feelings of the audience in the deepest possible way. Consequently, the protagonists are always princes, kings, generals, or at least members of socially prominent families so that their downfall affects great populations or nations. The important idea is that tragedy bear universal implications.Prologue: a scene which introduces the conflict in the play; generally gives the audience some background information.Antagonist: The principal character in opposition to the protagonist or hero of a narrative or drama. Dramatic Irony: in the theater, irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.

TermsRetribution: deserved punishment for an evil act. Setting: ancient Greece in the early fifth century (425). The time and place makes the action realistic. We can accept the role of the gods, the plagues, oracles, close marriages, etc. This contributes to the theme that man does not control his fate or destiny - it is in the hands of the gods.Conflict: Man against nature is the major conflict - this would be Oedipus in conflict with the gods. The gods are displeased with Oedipus and they conflict with him through omens and other characters. 

Plot SummaryThe 2nd play in the trilogy describes the end of Oedipus’s tragic life.The blind Oedipus has suffered for years like a tragic hero should.Oedipus enters Colonus ( accompanied by Antigone and Ismene, his daughters ) but a chorus of elders ask him to leave fearing Colonus will be cursed.The gods take pity on him and send the message that Oedipus’ burial site will be a sacred place.King Theseus grants Oedipus sanctuary in Colonus.

Plot SummaryOedipus dies.Antigone and Ismene return to Thebes.A civil war has been raging between the two brothers: Ploynices and Eteocles. Both wanted the throne.They kill each other and Creon becomes ruler.

ThemeFate and Prophecy

Oracle said Oedipus would die the the grove of the furies (prophecy)No longer one to question the power of fate, Oedipus refuses to leave the area of the grove. He convinces Theseus, king of Athens, that an oracle has predicted that Oedipus’s tomb will serve as a great defense for Athens if Theseus protects Oedipus at the end of his life.Oedipus has become something of a prophet himself—he predicts the miserable death of Polynices, and Polynices leaves, knowing he cannot avoid his fate.

Theme Guilt 

Oedipus lives with the guilt and remorse for having violated two of the most severe taboos of civilized society:

Incest The killing of one’s parents

ashamed to speak freely of his past when asked by the citizens of Colonusothers who once shunned him and who now need his favor seek him out to express their own guilt at having cast him away before (Sons).

Theme Old Age, Wisdom, and Death

Oedipus 90 years old“not even the years can bring you to your senses. Must you disgrace old age?” (Creon)Old age: it is awful, full of pain, envy, and loneliness that is only relieved by death. Wisdom that Oedipus has learned: He does not fight death, as he used to fight the prophecies of the gods. He accepts his coming death, and so his last moments of life, as described by the messenger, are of love, calm, and acceptance.

ThemeRedemption and Atonement

By accepting his fate and punishment in Oedipus at Colonus, Oedipus has atoned for his guilt.Given: blindness, powers of prophecy, power to offer eternal protection to a deserving leader of a just city (Thesus) Oedipus at Colonus shows Oedipus’s final transformation from an outcast in life to a hero in death—a redemption earned through years of hardship and remorse.

ThemeJustice

not treated fairly by the people of Thebes, by his own sons, and by Creon in particular.

took advantage of his misery and banished him forever

Killed his father in self defenseJustice he was denied with his family was found with Thesus.

Character Change: Oedipus

1. Appalled by his truth but still determined to face it2. Humbled and accepting of his shame3. Grateful to others and trusting4. Laments his ignorance5. Respects power of fate, gods, and prophets

What is a Tragic Hero?The tragic hero is a man who is characterized by a mixture of good and evil; positive and negative aspects. This hero has a tragic flaw or harmatia (weakness or imperfection in character), which is the cause of his downfall. The tragic hero has a hubris surrounding him--a person or thing that sets the stage for his fall. It will include all of the conditions that will cause his/her failure. (Hubris is defined as excess of pride.)  The hero almost always goes on a journey – Physical or spiritual. 

What is a Tragic HeroHe or she is also someone to whom people can relate. If people were put into the tragic hero's position, they could see they would probably act or react as the hero does.  The tragic hero is not perfect, for he is not exalted to a god-like status; he is human. He has the same human problems, and goes through life with the same obstacles. The tragic hero always falls in the end, hence the name. His flaw always spells disaster for himself and for those around him.

QuotesBe sure to pay close attention to important quotes throughout the play.The 30 Quotes on your Study Guide will be a great help for your exam. Know:

Who said the quoteTo whom the quote was saidSignificance of the quote