Free Essays on Catharsis Oedipus The King

  1. How Oedipus Rex Is a Perfect Tragedy in Accordance with the Contentions of the Poetics

    I am going to discuss how Oedipus the King, also known as Oedipus Tyrranus and Oedipus rex, one of the three Theban plays by Sophocles, premiered in 5th century BCE in the Theatre of Dionysus, located in Athens in Greece, is a perfect template for tragedies, as it consists of all the elements that the...

  2. Eras Communicate Together Through Oedipus

    “A tragic play should make the audience feel both pity and fear. The play Oedipus the King, by Sophocles does just that.” This quote was stated by Aristotle about the play Oedipus the King. Aristotle had often documented the tragedy of this play in his writings as an incredible calamity. This is...

  3. Aristotle's Concept of Catharsis

    Aristotle's Concept of Catharsis Human tragedy dominates the world every day because it is televised and printed in books and newspapers. Evil men and women kill innocent citizens for power, status and prestige making it challenging for peace to coexist alongside ambitions and hopes. In dramatic...

  4. Oedipus & Medea Tragic Heroes

    Sophocles wrote Oedipus The King and around the same time Euripides was writing Medea began to create his own ingredients to what makes a tragic hero. In Aristotle’s Poetics he writes what specifically makes a good tragedy and what must make up tragic hero. Firstly, one must experience catharsis which in Greek...

  5. Catharsis

    on Catharsis There are many angles to look at the word Catharsis (from greek κάθαρσις=purification, cleansing) and many possible ways to elaborate on it. Aristotle describes it as when literature provides strong emotional experiences that ultimately result in a sense of purification. Catharsis predominantly...

  6. Aristotelian Perspectives in Sophocles’ Antigone

    Antigone is tragedy written by the Greek playwright Sophocles written in or before 441 BC. It is the third of the three Theban plays: Oedipus the King, Oedipus of Colonus, and Antigone. Although Aristotle wrote the "Poetics" in 350 B.C. almost 100 years after Antigone was written, his ideas and thoughts...

  7. Oedipus the King: a Tragic Drama

    Oedipus The KingOedipus the King” by Sophocles is a tragic drama. The play tells the story of Oedipus who is fated by the gods, to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus unknowingly fulfills this prophesy; blinds himself and is publically humiliated. Greek philosophers Socrates asserts, “The...

  8. Oedipus the King

    Intelligence is what helped Oedipus become the King of Thebes. Had it not been for his intelligence, he would not have figured out the Riddle of the Sphinx, and he would have been just another common man, no different from the next. Although his intelligence is what got him his power, ultimately, it...

  9. King Oedipus and King Lear: Comparisons on Tragic Heroes

    Assignment: A comparison of King Lear and Oedipus as Tragic Heroes Lear and Oedipus share similar roles as tragic heroes although Oedipus is the one who truly fits the definition of a Tragic Hero as expressed by Aristotle, “A man who is a mixture of both good and bad yet portrays a higher moral worth...

  10. Oedipus the King, by Sophocles

    Alicia Sack Maria Brandon English II 15 June 2009 Research Paper: Oedipus the King, by Sophocles It’s amazing how far a person will go to not believe what is right in front of their own eyes. Whereas, Oedipus knows that he acted alone when he killed a man in similar circumstances, Jocasta...

  11. Oedipus: Running Away from Destiny

    by any man. There is no peasant, or priest, or even a king of Oedipus' stature that can divert from her woven path. Oedipus tries to divert from her path by taking a shortcut from the destination that she has set out for him. Try as he may, Oedipus instead, finds himself walking in a circle that in the...

  12. Oedipus the King

    Oedipus the King Analysis Sophocles is one of the most famous playwrights in Ancient Greek history. One of his plays, The Three Theban Plays, is known as Oedipus the King. In Sophocles’ play the conflict between fate and free will can be analyzed. In Oedipus the King, Oedipus’ fate is to murder his...

  13. Oedipus Tyrannus: Tragic Play

    who cited the Oedipus Tyrannus as the definitive tragic play. Thus pity must be produced from the play at some point. However, this does not necessarily mean that Oedipus must be pitied. We feel great sympathy ('pathos') for Jocasta's suicide and the fate of Oedipus' daughters. Oedipus could evoke fear...

  14. Oedipus the King and the Oedipus Complex

    Oedipus Complex We all know the story of Oedipus from the Greek myths as they portray him as the one who married his mother. This isn’t just simple incest but a normal stage that exist in humans called the Phallic stage (Coon, 371). Sigmund Freud, a psychoanalyst described that these phallic fixations...

  15. Analysis of Oedipus Trilogy

    has existed to fell heroes, seal fates and carry out the means of Greco-Roman tragedy than that of irony. Sophocles’s three Theban plays: Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antingone serve as an ideal mediums to illustrate three distinct and prevalent dramatic themes: that of dramatic, situational...

  16. Major Themes in Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus

    Major Themes in Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus A theme in literature is a unifying or dominant message that may be about life, society, or human nature. Themes often explore timeless and universal ideas and may be implied rather than stated explicitly (Webster’s Dictionary). Sophocles includes several...

  17. Oedipus Rex - Tragedy of Fate or Character

    Q1: Would you describe Oedipus Rex as a tragedy of fate or a tragedy of character? Ans: Oedipus Rex, produced by Sophocles in the maturity of his powers, is his masterpiece. Aristotle also regarded this play as Sophocles’ best and he frequently referred to it as the perfect type of faultless-constructed...

  18. Pride of Oedipus

    February 23, 2009 Oedipus Pride The tragic story of a man who can’t avoid his pre-destined fate, and that some things just can’t be changed by the people in your life no matter how hard they try. Bold, reckless, and arrogant were words that came to mind when I thought of Oedipus before reading...

  19. Oedipus Downfall

    King Lear and Oedipus Rex are both tragedies which involve a tragic ending for both protagonists Lear and Oedipus. Lear dies at the end showing remorse for disowning Cordelia who truly loved him and Oedipus pokes out his eyes after realising what has happened and what he has done. He also leaves Thebes...

  20. Odysseus

    in accordance with the Gods desires leaves a questionable margin of freewill or control over ones own fate. In Sophocles drama, Oedipus the King, the main character Oedipus brings about his own prophesized fate by attempting to flee from it and continues to cause his own destruction with an unyielding...

  21. Oedipus’ Unfortunate Tragedies

    Alex Cyriac English II-1 Mrs. Roberts December 10, 2008 Oedipus’ Unfortunate Tragedies In the classic play King Oedipus by Sophocles, Oedipus is the impetuous King of Thebes who tries to escape his fate of killing his father and marrying his mother. According to the ancient Greeks, it is impossible...

  22. Oedipus Rex Analysis

     Oedipus Rex Oedipus Rex is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in 429 B.C. Oedipus is the perfect example of a Greek tragedy because it combines all the elements necessary for one. This story is also aligned with much of Greek Mythology as it includes many fictional items such as the Oracle at Delphi...

  23. Assesment of Oedipus Rex

    Gordon Wade Oedipus Rex Essay Cassily Oedipus Rex, when literally translated, means King Oedipus. Unfortunately the rise and fall of Oedipus is not one of valor or heroism, but of tragedy and dramatic irony. Like in many Greek plays, Sophocles used the common knowledge of the day so the audience...

  24. Oedipus Rex

    In Sophocles’ play,” Oedipus the King” there are differing situations relating to the ability to see things literally compared to having vision symbolically. This motif repeats again and again in this story and becomes one of its central themes. When Oedipus begins his life, his parents are told by...

  25. The Power of Fate in Oedipus the King

    The Power of Fate in Oedipus the King The Greek tragedy Oedipus the King, by Sophocles, was written to show the common people of Greece how powerful the gods are and that your fate is pre-determined and nothing you do can change that. He does this by showing how people in this story try to escape...

  26. King Lear: the Aristotelian Play

    William Shakespeare's play, “King Lear”, meets the Aristotelian criterion for a tragedy since the essential elements needed are included in the play. One such distinction is the hero's fortune changing from happiness to misery because of some tragic flaw. Another key element of the Aristotelian definition...

  27. The Heart of Oedipus, King of Thebes

    The Heart of Oedipus, King of Thebes “Wouldn’t a man of judgment say--and wouldn’t he be right--some savage power has brought this down upon my head?” (1.918-19). When Oedipus is first introduced, he is the great and powerful ruler of the city of Thebes; by the end of the day, he will be the most...

  28. Oedipus Essay

    “It is difficult to understand or justify Oedipus' actions, or to admire or sympathise with him. Discuss this statement in the light of the plays characterisation and events” Throughout the play, Oedipus the King , Sophocles takes great care in characterising the protagonist. This is done to create...

  29. Oedipus the King

    Oedipus the King The Greek tragedy Oedipus the King was written by Sophocles around 429-425 B.C.E. Though it is not the first telling of Oedipus’s story, it has become one of the most well-known plays in Western culture, influencing authors, philosophers, and psychologists over the centuries. The...

  30. Sophocles Oedipus the King

    Sophocles Oedipus the King: Tragedy and Power Sophocles is a writer, of which this one Oedipus the King is a tragedy. From the opening line where Oedipus speaks these words: “Oh my children, the new blood of ancient Thebes,”. . . I got the impression that this was written by a person who has experienced...

  31. Oedipus a terrible fate

    the play Oedipus by Sophocles the main character Oedipus suffers from a terrible fate. The play starts with Oedipus who is doomed to the fate that was foretold by the Oracle at Delphi before his birth. The king and queen of Thebes had an unnamed son. Upon the arrival of their son the king, Laios, and...

  32. Oedipus' Fury

    Oedipus’ Fury Oedipus Rex, written by the poet Sophocles in the golden age of Greek theatre, was described by Aristotle to be the greatest tragedy of all time. As foretold by the title, the play focuses around the character of Oedipus, and from this the viewer, or reader, is able to see deep into the...

  33. Oedipus Does Not Deserve to Suffer

    In the play Oedipus The king, no character suffers more so than Oedipus. But did he deserve to suffer? No. Oedipus was a great king; his people loved and trusted him. Although Oedipus slept and fathered children with his mother, he was completely unaware of their relationship. In fact there is a lot...

  34. Oedipus Rex

    individual suffer such great pain when the consequences are not warranted or deserved? “Oedipus Rex”¹ was written by Sophocles, who is one of the three great writers of ancient Greek tragedies. In this tragedy, Oedipus the king of Thebes, has been running from a prophecy that was brought to light before he...

  35. oedipus

    Q1: Would you describe Oedipus Rex as a tragedy of fate or a tragedy of character? Ans: Oedipus Rex, produced by Sophocles in the maturity of his powers, is his masterpiece. Aristotle also regarded this play as Sophocles’ best and he frequently referred to it as the perfect type of faultless-constructed...

  36. Oedipus

    essay, The Interpretation of Dreams, reveals ideas that were the basis of knowledge for society during that time, and are similarly seen in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. Freud’s essay touches on psychoneurotic humans and how they are destined to fail from the young stages in life due to the people and environments...

  37. Oedipus the King: Tragedy and Fate

    Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, is a tragic story which depicts the life of Oedipus Rex; it was often performed as a play or simply spoken as a narrative. Sophocles takes his audience through a rollercoaster of emotions, by depicting the life of Oedipus Rex, an epic hero whose many tragic flaws’s...

  38. Never Will I Convict My King Never in My Heart

    Katerere English Higher Mr. de Wilde March 21, 2010 Never Will I Convict My King, Never in My Heart: The sad song of the chorus In this scene “the man the voice of god denounces” is the hubristic king, Oedipus. “The skilled prophet”, Tiresias, announces this to the chorus. However, the Chorus...

  39. Things Fall Apart

    Things Fall Apart By: Chinua Achebe Oedipus Rex By: Sophocles Research Paper By: JoRhon Calhoun 2nd Period 4/25/08 OUTLINE The belief in tragic heroes who posses tragic flaw, which ultimately leads to their downfall Thesis Statement:...

  40. Oedipus Rex Trial

    Oedipus Rex Trial Oedipus the king has very complex plot written, this story is like a puzzle to carry out the process of solution. This story is written by Sophocle. There are a lot of famous tragic story that use a similar formula, Oedipus is the same. Oedipus is a good natural person that has...

  41. Oedipus Review Analysis

    “The Innocence of Oedipus: The Philosophers on Oedipus the King,” Thomas Gould argues a man’s “free will” and responsibility based upon Aristotle, the Greeks, and Sophocles’ views. Gould believes “free will”, tragic flaw, and fate is interpreted incorrectly in the story of Oedipus; moreover, the play...

  42. Hamlet, Chronicle of Death Foretold and Oedipus Rex Review

    parts. First is when the ghost of King Hamlet revealed to prince Hamlet that Claudius has murderered him and demanded revenge, the second part is when hamlet has confirmed that Claudius is indeed the murderer because his reaction to hamlet's play portraying how late king hamlet was murdered. The Reversal...

  43. Oedipus Rex and Trifles

    "Oedipus Rex" and "Trifles" "Oedipus Rex" and "Trifles" was different mysteries plays. They both have in common a mystery, but they are both very different plays. The first play "Oedipus Rex" was more of a unknown murder who then leads to the hurtful truth. Where on the other hand "Trifles" was...

  44. Tragedy of Oedipus the King

    In Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus the King, the title character Oedipus, cannot seem to catch a break in life. As the play opens, the kingdom he has married into and rules, Thebes, is ravaged by a terrible plague, and Oedipus despairs of being able to help his people. Later Oedipus receives the unwelcome...

  45. Oedipus

    The play, Oedipus by Sophocles is about a man who is destined to kill his father and bed and marry his mother. Now, one would think how exactly does a fate such as this happen to someone or better yet who would even allow this destiny to happen to a person. When one is destined to such a fate as this...

  46. Oedipus Movie Review

    Oedipus Movie Review” After watching the film on Oedipus I think I was impressed with the film over all. The director did a great job with capturing all the key moments that really stuck out in the story. I think the movie definitely did a great job on showing the townspeople’s reactions to...

  47. Things Fall Apart: Analysis

    the Greek God of wine. In the tragedy, Aristotle’s Greek tragic hero has to possess a few essential qualities that will ultimately result in the “catharsis” (purgation) of the feelings of pity and fear the audience has towards the destiny of the ill-fated hero, which is the aim and objective of every...

  48. Oedipus Rex: Discussion Questions

    Discussion Questions, Oedipus Rex 1. The most widely accepted view of Oedipus is that he is guilty of overweening pride, and hence, he has to suffer. The primary basis for this view comes in lines 963 – 978, which read in the Fagles translation: “Pride breeds the tyrant/violent pride, gorging, crammed...

  49. Dramatic Structure

    or a tragic flaw. Hubris is when the protagonist experiences an overwhelming sense of pride, arrogance, and self-confidence, which leads to chaos. Catharsis is an emotional discharge that brings around a sense of renewal or welcomes relief from some sort of tension. Irony is considered one of the most...

  50. 'Shakepeare's vision in King Lear is not entirely pessimistic'

    "Shakespeare's vision in 'King Lear' is not entirely pessimistic". To what extent do you agree with this judgement? There are strong arguments for 'King Lear' being both a pessimistic platy and an optimistic play. Whether the play is optimistic or pessimistic is of great importance to the meaning...

  51. Paper

    and imagination. 2. People might enjoy leaving a theater with catharsis because when a person usually doesn’t usually have emotion, such as pity and fear towards a play or comparatively, a movie. It is also good to leave with catharsis because when people are watching the play the audience should experience...

  52. shakesphare

    Activity 1.2.7: Practice - Plot Summary Oedipus was born from the King and Queen of Thebes. So proud of his newborn, King Larus went to the prophet. The prophet said that his son will kill the king himself and marry his mother. Afraid of the prophecy, King and Queen of Thebes stab the baby's foot and...

  53. Haiku

    “Kind Oedipus” from Sophocles and “Trifles” from Susan Glaspell. Even though Sophocles was living in a different time and wrote “King Oedipus” in 429 B.C. his style of writing has always been recognized. Sophocles chose to make the readers assume that the main character in “King Oedipus” is King Oedipus...

  54. Temper Is a Dangerous Thing

    thing Angered, upset, and frustrated because the truth is not what he really wanted. Although Oedipus’ anger is directed towards others, his temper hurts himself, and the city that he claims to love. Oedipus is scared about what the oracle of Apollo tells him, him killing his father, so he runs away....

  55. Macbeth

    his fatal flaw for power, his self-enlightenment as he realizes that his mistakes caused him the misery and suffering, and through the provoking catharsis that the reader engages as Faustus is pitied for in the finale. Dr. Faustus is a simple, common man who possesses good and bad desires through various...

  56. Fate and Free Will

    tragic figure is often male and a high-ranking individual within the society he or she lives in. The presence of the tragic hero is evident in both Oedipus and Things Fall Apart. The authors of the two books have provided solid evidence that an inflexible person cannot readily accept change. The inability...

  57. Plains, Trains, and Plantains

    and Plantains The story of Oedipus. This font is smaller than the last. A man can only justify his actions if he regards his demeanor with deductive thinking. This man was not Oedipus, mainly because he was a fucking douche bag. One must know who Oedipus was to understand the period in...

  58. Creon vs. Creon Compare and Contrast Essay

    Creon vs. Creon In Oedipus the King, Sophocles, the author, describes the journey of a man by the name of Oedipus to doom himself and those around him by trying to avoid fate. In Antigone, another work of Sophocles, one’s search of power and ruthlessness allows impudence to destroy those close...

  59. Overview of Indian Literature

    of their virtue. Oedipus is a true tragic hero, for his basic flaw is his lack of knowledge about his own identity. Moreover, no amount of foresight could remedy Oedipus' hamartia; unlike other tragic heroes, Oedipus bears no responsibility for his flaw. The audience fears for Oedipus because nothing...

  60. The Three Awakenings

    stories, Oedipus the King, A Doll’s House and A Piano Lesson, the main characters all have an awakening. Some are more dramatic than others. All the characters are similar in many ways. Oedipus, Nora and Berniece all are awoken by something from there past. In Oedipus the King, Oedipus was given...