Section I: On Oedipus the King.
Short answers—two or three sentences—only to the following:
1. What are the tragic flaws or hamartia that Oedipus displays in the beginning of the play?
2. What action(s) demonstrate his hubris or excessive pride?
3. Where in the play does Oedipus gain “essential knowledge that was previously lacking” (anagnorisis)? Describe the scene and cite the specific lines for that scene.
4. Reflecting upon his tragic flaw and excessive pride, what else in addition to knowledge of his parentage, has Oedipus learned by the end of the play?
Section II: Anagnorisis in Hamlet
Identify the moment where Hamlet experiences anagnorisis.
Hint: pay attention to where Aristotle places anagnorisis in the structure of tragedy.
Write a short paragraph in which you describe where this moment occurs, citing specific lines. Be sure to specify what knowledge Hamlet gains.
Section III. (200 points) Khodr’s The House
The Question: We have read excerpts from Avery Gordon’s formulation of “complex personhood” and of the ghost as a marginalized, social figure. How might that analysis apply to Arze Khodr’s The House?
Write an essay of 2-3 pages in response.
(The excerpt from Gordon’s Ghostly Matters was distributed in class. I have posted a few extra copies on my office door if you no longer have a copy.)
Below please find the rubric I will use for grading this section. Though these elements will appear in a strong paper, they are NOT listed below in the order in which they will necessarily appear in your essay.