Oedipus

Write on any three questions: Oedipus begins as a beloved leader and savior of Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx. Despite his noble qualities, how specifically does he display the tragic flaw of hubris in the course of the play? What does the play tell us about Oedipus’ search for his destiny? Is it a noble quest or not? How does this relate to Teiresias’ statement: “What use is wisdom when it only leads to suffering?” Give examples of how images of blindness and seeing are exhibited throughout the play. How is this relevant to one of the play’s major themes? In Greek drama, the personal tragedy of the leader often translates into public or political tragedy for the citizens, as represented by the chorus. How is the chorus affected by the downfall of Oedipus? Do we see this at work in our culture today? What is the purpose of the chorus in this play? What attitudes or opinions do they have about the events as they occur?