Write an essay about ARISTOTLE'S "POETICS" and the structure of TRAGEDY.
Consider any of the following statements/questions as possible paper topics. In your paper, please include some source material [textual evidence]. Consider the class discussions, the themes we discussed, issues about all of these characters, symbolic imagery, plot issues, atmosphere, and tone. Using the language of the classroom and material from your notes and the book, you should be able to formulate a good rough draft essay any one of the plays. Remember your experience in English 101. A good paper is a developed idea. Develop an architecture, show evidence, conclude with summary and reiteration. That's part of what makes a good academic paper. The following statements/questions should give you good direction.
OEDIPUS: Themes might include the role of family, the need for truth, discovery, fate [destiny], politics, fear, power, hubris, the notion of vision [seeing and not seeing].
1. Considering Aristotle's notion of the tragic hero. Would you consider Oedipus a "tragic" character? Does he meet Aristotle's criterion for tragic figures? If so, how? What are these few criteria? See Aristotle's POETICS.
2. Does the play itself in a larger way meet Aristotle's criteria for tragedy? We've discussed them. Again, see POETICS. What are these criteria, specifically, and how does the play meet them? What is required of great tragedy?
3. What role or function does the chorus have in the play? Is it there to evoke mood? Discuss action? Is it functioning as a narrative voice? Interior monologue? The conscience of the community? Both? Anything else?
4. How does Oedipus exhibit "weakness of character?" Point to the lines that reveal him as imperfectly noble in his words, deeds, or treatment of others?
5. Oedipus is punished not for any fault in himself but for his ignorance. In fact, he is innocent in many ways. Do you agree with this interpretation? Why?
6. Oedipus Rex is a play about the "unfolding" of truth. Truth is gradually revealed. What is the basic process that takes place? Describe in detail the events [episodes] that lead to Oedipus's being made to "see" the truth.
7. How does Oedipus display strength of character? Point to the lines that reveal him as an inherently noble individual? What is it that makes him great? What does he do with the truth when it is finally revealed to him?
8. What do you make of the blind man Tiresias's ability to "see" the truth? What does this have to do with the theme of blindness in the play?
9. Consider the play as a visual spectacle [use of masks, few actors, chorus].