Oedipus Vocabulary

Question 1

Tragedy

Answer 1

A play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one concerning the downfall of the main character

Question 2

Dramatic Irony

Answer 2

Irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience, but not by the characters in the play

Question 3

Tragic Hero

Answer 3

a great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat (Oedipus = the classic tragic hero)

Question 4

Crown of Laurel

Answer 4

A mark of honor and victory (a crown)

Question 5

Supplication

Answer 5

A prayer asking for God’s help as part of a religious service; to beg or pray

Question 6

Oracle of Delphi

Answer 6

Where a priestess supposedly delivered messages from Apollo to those who sought advice; the messages were usually obscure or ambiguous

Question 7

Catharsis

Answer 7

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions; a purging of emotions

Question 8

Prophet

Answer 8

The chief spokesperson of a movement or cause

Question 9

Plague

Answer 9

A highly infectious, usually fatal, epidemic disease; a pestilence

Question 10

Olive Branch

Answer 10

Used as symbol of peace; an offer or gesture of conciliation or goodwill

Question 11

Tragic Flaw (fatal flaw)

Answer 11

A flaw in the character of the hero of a tragedy that leads to his downfall

Question 12

Hubris

Answer 12

Excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis (downfall)

Question 13

Sphinx

Answer 13

A winged female monster of Greek mythology having a woman’s head and a lion’s body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle

Question 14

Hamartia

Answer 14

Is a fatal flaw; the tragic flaw in the character of the protagonist which ultimately leads to his downfall (the Greek term)