Oedipus lines Flashcards
Lines 1-168
Oedipus receives a group of citizens led by a priest, he relays the plague that has befallen Thebes and asks for help. Oedipus expresses sympathy and tells him that he has already sent creon to the oracle for advice - showing that he is a good leader. Creon returns and says the plague will end when Laius murderer has been found, he immediately swears to take action
169-244
Chorus chants a prayer to the gods and describe the horrors of the plague. They beg for deliverance but worry what sacrifices may be demanded in return. They provide a break in the action, and denote the passage of time. This also allows for the play to be given more context.
245-526
Oedipus calls for anyone who knows the truth to come forwards, when no one does he curses the underserved and anyone who shelters him. Tiresias arrives reluctantly obeying his summons, he refuses to give help - Oedipus accuses him as the murderer, in response t hints at Oedipus corruption and fate. This whole scene is a visualisation of the theme of blindness and fate
Lines 527-572
Choral ode - the chorus wonders at Tiresias accusation that Oedipus is the murderer, as subjects they are horrifies and confused but still stand by their king until the charges are proven. Continues theme of belief in spiritual power contrasted with commen sense - a choice between belief and reason
573-953
Creon denies Oedipus accusation, he argues he has no reason to usurp the throne, creon appears calm, collected and logical, whereas Oedipus paranoid and furious. Jocasta ends the argument, she dismisses Oedipus worry as it came from a prophet. As proof she offers her own story of the prophecy about her son. O asks for the living witness the Shepard. Marks the change into a psychological drama.
954-996
Chorus glorifies the gods and destiny and rejects human pride.
The chorus laments the erosion of respect for prophecy - a real issue when the play was written.
997-1194
Jocasta sacrifices to Apollo. Messenger announces death of polybus. O is relieved but fearful of his mother - messenger tells him he’s adopted. Jocasta realises the truth and runs away screaming. Loads of irony in this scene. Oedipus is still blind, and revels in the pride that precedes a tragic hero. Sohocles means for the audience to suspend disbelief, and let the tragedy unfold on its own conventions.
1195-1214
Chorus sings a joyful ode to mount cithaeron where Oedipus was found, they speculate whether he might be descended from a god, the enthusiasm elevates Oedipus to divine proportions which create an even greater fall and lead to even more CATHARTHIS
1215-1310
Shepard refuses to talk, Oedipus threatens with torture, Shepard tells, Oedipus is horrified and rushes into the palace. This is the CLIMAX of the play. Note the energy and determination in Oedipus to uncover his origins, his shining quality causing his downfall. In one moment he is all powerful and in charge of his destiny in the next he is vulnerable and powerless. The audience experiences pity and terror which will lead to CATHARTHIS,
1311-1359
Chorus laments Oedipus discovery, wondering at his fall from greatness. The chorus chooses him as an example of the fragility of life, joy is an illusion which quickly faded.
1351-1684
Messenger announces queens death. Oedipus had ripped out her brooches and blinded herself - because that is the only thing he was in control of and he cannot look at his loved ones in life or death. He begs to be exiled, and is. The chorus laments his fall. The pity and terror caused by his fall brings about catharsis.
