Your Contentions

Question 1

There is no hope, only despair in the world of Oedipus.
Discuss.

Answer 1

There is no despair without ignorant hope in Oedipus the King

Question 2

Everyone is more aware of Oedipus’ situation than he is. This is what makes the play powerful. Discuss.

Answer 2

Oedipus is ignorant of his own downfall throughout the play as everyone else comes to see the truth, which Sophocles characterises as a strong warning against hubristic tendencies

• Oedipus is ignorant to his downfall
• Everyone else learns the truth
• Sophocles writes as a warning against hubris and willful ignorance

Question 3

Sophocles suggests that the pursuit of knowledge is both admirable and foolish.
Discuss.

Answer 3

Sophocles suggests that seeking knowledge is admirable, but doing so blindly is foolish.
- Sophocles is in support of those that are self aware
- Detests those that are ignorant, even more so those who are willingly ignorant

Question 4

Through Oedipus the King, we learn that the suffering of the individual is the suffering of the community.
Discuss

Answer 4

In Oedipus the King, Sophocles illustrates that a person’s suffering is not localised to them, but extends to all involved parties

Question 5

Through Oedipus the King, Sophocles reminds audiences that greatness is not necessarily a blessing. Discuss

Answer 5

Sophocles warns the audience through the play of Oedipus the King that greatness built on ignorance and hubris is a curse within itself.

• Greatness build on ignorance and hubris is a curse

Question 6

Topic surrounding guilt and shame… what warrants guilt and shame

Answer 6

Sophocles suggests that ones fate does not warrant shame, however, portraying yourself as above your fate and consequence does.

Question 7

Oedipus the King examines the pain of ignoring the truth and failing to take responsibility.
Discuss.

Answer 7

In Oedipus the King, Sophocles highlights the pain brought by a person’s choice to avoid their predetermined truth, and instead act under an assumed identity and understanding

• Pain = brought by avoiding predetermined truth + acting under assumed identity and understanding

Question 8

Sophocles suggests that pride can blind even intelligent and honourable people

Answer 8

Pride in Oedipus the king was shown to blind people to the truth, which in turn ended up devastating their character in the end.