oedipus context Flashcards
1
Q
war
A
Peloponnesian war 431-404
- Athens V Sparta: state of politcal turmoil
2
Q
Politcal leader
A
- Pericles
- Prominent and influential Greek statemsan, highly loved
- such a profound influence on society that historians have named him as the ‘first citizen of Athens’
- died to the plague in 429BC
3
Q
Plague of Athens
A
- epidemic that devestated it in the second year of the Peloponisian war, just when victory seemed within reach
4
Q
care for sick and dead
A
- the plague was highly contagious
- this meant people were not willing to care for the sick
- the dead were heaped on top of eachother, left to rot or shoved in mass graves
5
Q
Religious strife
A
- the plague also caused uncertainty and strife
- temples were sights of misery as refugees from Athenian countruside had forced to find refuge there
6
Q
Medea
A
- Euripides
- Opens in state of conflict
- Downfall of influential figure - Jason, hero in Greek Soc due to golden fleece
7
Q
How is Oedipus’ ending like Medea
A
- messenger recounts grusome detail
- Medea murders her children and flees the scene in a dragon-pulled chariot
- jason doesn’t die, but potentially suffers a fate much worse
8
Q
importance of household
A
- birth of a son to inherit the household was significant
- aka giving up a son = crazy. Highlights belief in prophecy
9
Q
Death and burial
A
- a highly developed set of rituals
- lack of proper burial meant no access to underworld
- ancestors of the dead would honour in annual festivals with grave decorations