AP Literature
MAJOR WORKS DATA SHEET
Title: _Oedipus______________________________
Author: _Sophocles_____________________________
Date of Publication: _Around 441 B.C.______________
Genre: _Tragedy___________________________
Historical Information about the period and place of
publication – what was happening in the world the
author lived in and how might that have influenced
him?
At the time of Oedipus’ publication, around 440 B.C.,
the Greek city-states, made peace with the Persian
Empire. Construction began on many temples to the
gods and on new cities that would have walls that
stretched all the way to Athens. Athens and Sparta also
erupt into war after Sparta renders Delphi independent
from Phocis. Around the date of publication, powers
were changing and war was a major component in the
changing of leaders.
Biographical Information about the Author
Sophocles, an ancient Greek, wrote many plays
during his life time but only seven of them
have survived time. He participated in writing
competitions in Athens and it is thought that
he won 24/30 and never scored lower than
seconds place for the competitions he did not
win. He was thought to have greatly influenced
dramas and plays through the addition of a
third actor. It it theorized that Sophocles lived
to the age of 90 and .was originally born in
Colonus, Attica, and died in Athens, Greece.
Sophocles came from a somewhat wealthy
rural background.
Characteristics of the Genre
Tragedy is characterized by human suffering
that gives the audience pleasure.
Plot Summary
The tragedy begins with a flashback to the events that lead to the present. Jocasta and her previous
husband abandoned their son in the mountains because they received a prophecy that their son would kill
his father. Their child is found and raised by another family and eventually does kill his father after his
temper is incited by an unfamiliar travelling man. Oedipus initially leaves his adoptive family after he
thinks that he is destined to kill his adoptive father. After killing his real father, Oedipus eventually makes
it to Thebes and solves the Sphinx’s riddle, freeing Thebes from the natural disasters it is currently
plagued with. He is made the king by Creon, and is married to Jocasta. After having two children with his
mother, Thebes is again plagued with disaster and Tiresias says that the cities problems will go away once
the murderer of the previous king is found. Oedipus curses the murderer and strives to find the man that
killed the previous king. Later it is revealed that Oedipus was the child that was abandoned in the
mountains and that he had killed his true father. Jocasta tries to prevent Oedipus from finding out the
truth but is unable to stop him. She later hangs herself as Oedipus finds out, due to their incestuous
actions. Oedipus blinds himself and leaves Thebes. He leaves his children to be raised by Creon. The story
is continued in
Antigone
.
Describe the author’s style
An example that demonstrates that style
Sophocles uses Iambic Pentameter for the
majority of this tragedy.
Explain your mood and purport. Is it dread Of ill that moves you or a boon ye crave?
(I.i.1112) Memorable Quotes
Quotation
Significance
“I curse myself as well…if by any In this quotation, Oedipus curses the murderer of the previous
chance he proves to be an intimate king, Laius, and unknowingly curses himself. Oedipus’ hubris and
of our house” Oedipus
spite for the then unknown murderer aids in his downfall.
“This day will bring your birth and your destruction” Tiresias
In this quote, the angry prophet foreshadows the events that are
destined to come true. He foreshadows the downfall of Oedipus
in a riddle.
“Pride breeds the tyrant violent pride, gorging, crammed to bursting with all that is overripe and rich with ruin—clawing up to the heights, headlong pride crashes down the abyss—sheer doom!” Chorus
This quote describes the cause of Oedipus’ downfall, his hubris.
This is Oedipus’ response as to why he had gouged out his own
“What good were eyes to me? eyes. Oedipus’ does this after he learns the truth in his
Nothing I could see could bring me relationship to his wife/mother and the murder of the previous
joy” Oedipus
king.
Characters
Name
Role in the Story
Significance
Adjectives
Oedipus
Jocasta
Creon
The Chorus
Tiresias
Oedipus is the protagonist of
this play and causes his own
downfall. His search for the
truth causes secrets to be
revealed that harm him.
Oedipus is the main character
of this story and demonstrates
negative characteristics that
cause harm to himself.
The wife and mother of
Oedipus. She tries to prevent
Oedipus from finding his true
origins because she knows the
truth.
Jocasta tries to prevent
Oedipus from discovering the
truth in order to protect him.
The brother of Jocasta and a
man of his word. He gives his
crown to Oedipus, making him
the king of Thebes. At the end
of the tragedy, he takes in
Oedipus’ children.
He furthers progress in the
search to find the murderer of
the previous king and takes in
Oedipus’ children after he
leaves Thebes.
The Chorus is used to inform
the audience of past events and
offers commentary throughout
the tragedy.
A blind fortune-teller that
produces prophecies that set
off the chain of events that lead
to Oedipus discovering his true
origins.
Prideful,
Temperamental,
Determined.
Protective
Rational,
Honest,
Even-tempered
The Chorus provides important
background information.
Informative
Tiresias’ prophecies cause
these chain of events. He
unwillingly gives prophecies to
Oedipus which causes him to
fulfill them.
Wise,
Informative.
Setting
Significance of opening scene
This tragedy takes place in Thebes in ancient Greece and
areas around it. For example, the crossroads where
Oedipus murders Laius.
The opening scene is the chorus describing the
previous events that lead to the present part
of the story. Oedipus’ origin and created the
setting.
Significance of ending/closing scene
1. Vision
Oedipus leaves the city he was so proud in
leading after he discovers the truth about his
origins. He blinds himself because nothing he
can see will bring him joy. He becomes more
Symbols
like the blind prophet. Although he could not
see, he could see more than Oedipus.
2. Oedipus' scarred feet
3.
4.
5.
Old AP Questions
Leave Blank for Now
Possible Themes
1. Hubris
2. Wisdom
3.