Oedipus the King

Introduction to Greek Tragedy

Use the PowerPoint to introduce students to Greek theater and tragedies. The subheading "It's All Greek to Me!" is a hyperlink that will take you to a video to explain some basics about Greek theater. There is a guided listening handout to help keep students engaged, and it includes three reflection questions.

Download: Greek Drama,Tragedy_2.pptx


Download: Guided Listening for TED Ed_1.docx


You can also have students read this article by Arthur Miller to his take on tragedy, the tragic hero, and the Greeks.

Download: Tragedy and the Common Man by Arthur Miller.docx


Read Oedipus the King

Most schools have their own Teacher Guide for Oedipus, but I have included a study guide as well as the full text just in case. 

Download: Oedipus_the_King_Full_Text.pdf


Download: Oedipus Rex SG.pdf


Aristotle's Poetics

Once students have completed Oedipus the King, have students read Aristotle's Poetics, sections VI-XIII. Below is a link to a text copy of Poetics, if you do not have access to it.  I have also included some text-dependent questions to help guide students' focus.  The reading guide that is included has answers.

Poetics Text

Download: Aristotle Poetics Reading Guide.docx


Assessment

Once students have completed Oedipus and Poetics, they will write an essay. Since textual evidence is important, it weighs the heaviest on the rubric (included at the bottom).

The prompt reads: 

In his Poetics, Aristotle states that the heroes of tragedies must be good people with good intentions. Do you feel that Oedipus fits Aristotle's description of a good person? In a well-organized response, defend your position.  Make sure to give SPECIFIC details (both events and quotes) to support your stance.

Download: Oed Rex and Poetics essay.doc



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