Oedipus rex as aristotalian tragedy assignment

Immediately after the entry of the Chorus, Oedipus makes a proclamation before the gathered Thebans about the punishment to be given to the murderer of Laius, on whom he pronounces a curse also. “ I pray that that man’s life be consumed in evil and wretchness. As for me, this curse applies no less” The first episode of the play is logically connected with what has gone before, for it consist of the king’s meeting with Teiresias. The subject of this meeting is the message of the Oracle. Oedipus wishes to know how he can identify the murderer of Laius so that he may be banished from the Thebes as instructed by Teiresias.

Similarly, every other episode is a logical and necessary sequence of what has gone before it in the play. The ending of the play satisfies all curiosity. It marks the completion of Oedipus’ search for the murderer of Laius. At the same time it also provides the answer to Oedipus’ question about the identity of his parents. Also Aristotle’s idea of a complex plot is found in the play Oedipus Rex. Complex plots have recognitions and reversals. A reversal is a change from of a situation to the opposite. In the play Oedipus Rex, consider how the shepherd who comes to free Oedipus about his fear of parentage actually does the opposite.

His career changes from prosperity to that of terrible adversity, and he makes the terrible discovery that human knowledge is extremely limited and misleading. “ Know your limitations, especially in relation to gods, and stay within them. ” Also, Aristotle’s description of thought can be found in Sophocles Tragedy, Oedipus Rex. From Aristotle’s definition, the element of thought is “ the power of saying what ever can be said for the occasion or what is appropriate for the occasion “. Thought is also shown in the things one says when proving a point. For example when King Oedipus in the play accuses Creon of conspiring with

Tiresias to take his crown when he lashes out to Creon that ” Thou knowst , if this Tiresias Had not combined with thee, he would not thus accuse me as the murderer of Liaus” The other three elements of tragedy as defined by Aristotle that is Melody, Diction and Spectacle can all be traced in the play. With regards to Melody Sophocles makes the chorus know the story line of the play hence making it very easy for the audience to understand the play. Diction that is the style of Oedipus and spectacle which includes the visual effects and stage appearance makes the audience appreciate the play wholeheartedly.