Download Background Information - Ju`s English 9 Portfolio

Building Background Knowledge of Oedipus the King
1. Who is the author of Oedipus the King?
Sophocles.
2. The author of Oedipus the King lived in Athens, Greece and from 496 – 406 B. C.
3. What is a tragedy? Provide an example.
An event that causes unhappiness, suffering, damage, and downfall. A natural disaster could be
an example of a tragedy.
4. What is a tragic hero? Give an example of a past or modern day tragic hero.
A tragic hero is the protagonist of a form of drama that ends in misfortune. This kind of hero has
a flaw in the character, and this is what normally causes the disgrace. The character Macbeth in
Shakespeare's Macbeth is an example of a tragic hero.
5. Explain what a tragic flaw is and provide an example.
A tragic flaw is the weakness of a tragic hero, which usually leads the protagonist to ruin or
suffering. In Macbeth, for instance, it is said that the protagonist’s tragic flaw was ambition.
6. How were Greek tragedies performed?
The Greek tragedies were performed late in March or early in April in period of religious
festival. Presentations would last for three days from morning to noon and would be held in
outdoor theaters. Apparently all citizens were allowed to watch the performances.
7. Provide a definition of theme and explain its significance in a story.
A theme of a story is it central idea or concept. The theme of the story is significant because it
addresses the topical issue illustrated in the story.
8. Define imagery and explain its role in a story.
Imagery is the use of vivid language to “paint” visual images in the reader’s mind. Imagery
makes a story stronger by giving the reader the feeling that “he is in the story”, and with this the
story turns out to be more interesting.
9. What is foreshadowing and what effect does it have?
Foreshadowing is a hint or a clue that the author provides about what will still happen in a story.
It gets the reader engaged in the reading as it makes them want to know what will happen next
and therefore induce them to make predictions.
10. What is the riddle of the Sphinx and what is the answer to this riddle?
“In Greek mythology, the Sphinx sat outside of Thebes and asked this riddle of all travelers who
passed by. If the traveler failed to solve the riddle, then the Sphinx killed him/her. And if the
traveler answered the riddle correctly, then the Sphinx would destroy herself.
The riddle:
What goes on four legs in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs in the
evening?
Oedipus solved the riddle, and the Sphinx destroyed herself.
The solution: A man, who crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as an adult, and walks
with a cane in old age.
Of course morning, noon, and night are metaphors for the times in a man's (person's) life. Such
metaphors are common in riddles.”
Source: http://www.jimloy.com/puzz/sphinx0.htm
11. What role does the chorus play in a Greek tragedy?
The Chorus’ main role in a Greek tragedy was to explain and enhance what was happening in the
story through entertaining means. They would sing and dance for the audience while narrating
and acting.
12. What does the name Oedipus mean?
The name Oedipus literally means “swollen foot” from oideo "to swell" and pous "foot."
Define the following terms:
Climax – the turning point of a story, when the suspense is at its peak.
Dialogue – the conversation between two or more characters in a story.
Acts – the main divisions on a play or opera.
Scenes – a subdivision of acts, a sequence of actions in a play.
Stage directions – instructions to an actor or director written on the script of a play.
Sets – the scenery in a play to represent a specific location.
Props – theatrical objects used in a play.
Monologue – a long speech given by an actor in a play.
Soliloquy – a form of discourse in which the character talks to him/herself alone speaking their
thoughts aloud.
Aside – a piece of dialogue intended for the audience and not heard by the other characters.