Oedipus Tyrannos

• when was 'Oedipus Tyrannos' considered to have been written and why is this significant?

  it was written around the 5th century bc, this is significant because it was during the Peloponnesian wars 431-404 bc
• Who wrote 'Oedipus Tyrannos' and why is he important to Greek Theatre?

  Sophocles - whom also introduced the third actor
• what prophecy does Laius receive that encourages him to desert Oedipus on mount Cithaeron?

  the prophecy that Laius would be killed by his son
• What prophecy does Oedipus receive from the gods?

  that he will kill his father and marry his mother
• what does the term 'oidipous' mean and why is this important to the plot of 'Oedipus Tyrannos'?

  the verb 'oida' means 'i see' or 'i know' which is ironic since Oedipus is oblivious to hints and prophecies, he ironically physically blinds himself at the end of the play after becoming aware
• Capadarso fragment

  date: 330 bc

  type: Calyx krater

  made in Italy

  
• what does the Capodarso fragment show ?

  1. it shows the scene of Jocasta's anagnorisis in which the messenger reveals how he found Oedipus
  2. Jocasta looks shocked as she hold her head in her hands, meanwhile Oedipus looks confused by stroking his beard
  3. The messenger is standing facing the audience , his gestures are exaggerated/theatrical for the audience
  4. the artist has decided to include Oedipus' daughters Ismene & Antigone- although they were not present in this scene of Oedipus Tyrannos
• what is insightful about the Capodarso fragment and what are its limitations?

  insights:

  • it depicts the skene, stage/ raised platform
  • it depicts the intricacy of tragic costumes
  • limitations:
  • many of these details can be up to artistic license as the pot was produced 100 years after the performance
  • krater - syracuse sicily
• Oedipus refers to the Thebans as "my children"

  • father-figure : tyrant whom believes everyone relies on him- sees himself as a godly figure "the world knows my fame"