Style of Oedipus Rex

"Oedipus Rex" is a tragedy written by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. The style of the play is characterized by its use of dramatic irony, symbolism, and the chorus.

Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience knows something that the characters do not. In "Oedipus Rex," the audience knows that Oedipus has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, while Oedipus himself is unaware of this fact. This creates tension and suspense throughout the play as the audience watches Oedipus slowly uncover the truth.

Symbolism is also an important aspect of the play’s style. For example, the name "Oedipus" means "swollen foot" in Greek, which is symbolic of his fate as a man who will be brought low. The play also uses symbolism to represent themes such as blindness, truth, and fate.

The chorus is another important element of the play’s style. The chorus is a group of actors who comment on the action of the play and provide insight into the characters’ motivations and emotions. In "Oedipus Rex," the chorus serves as a voice of reason and morality, often questioning the actions of the characters and warning of the consequences of their actions.

Overall, the style of "Oedipus Rex" is characterized by its use of dramatic irony, symbolism, and the chorus to create a powerful and thought-provoking tragedy.

The characters in Oedipus Rex

The main characters in Oedipus Rex, a tragedy written by Sophocles, include:

1. Oedipus – The protagonist and tragic hero of the play. He is the king of Thebes and tries to uncover the truth about his past, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

2. Jocasta – Oedipus’ wife and mother. She tries to prevent Oedipus from discovering the truth about his past.

3. Creon – Jocasta’s brother and Oedipus’ brother-in-law. He is a trusted advisor to Oedipus and becomes the king after Oedipus’ downfall.

4. Tiresias – A blind prophet who warns Oedipus about his fate.

5. The Chorus – A group of Theban citizens who comment on the action of the play and provide insight into the themes and events.

6. Laius – Oedipus’ biological father, who was killed by Oedipus without either of them knowing their true relationship.

7. Polybus – The man who raised Oedipus as his own son, but who was not his biological father.

8. Merope – Polybus’ wife and Oedipus’ adoptive mother, who was not his biological mother.

返回顶部