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Oedipus Rex - Opening (Themes (Democracy vs Tyranny (Oedipus (Exhibits…
Oedipus Rex - Opening
Themes
Fate vs Freewill
Role of Gods and Prophecies
Democracy vs Tyranny
Oedipus
Is a tyrant, due to his elevated status
Exhibits characteristics that Athenians most respect such as:
Decision making
Intellectual curiosity
Role of women
Tragic hero
Peripeteia
Is worshipped like a God
"Oh my children"
Talks to the chorus as if they are his children
Patronising or Paternalism?
Character
Oedipus
Initial elevation of his position
Chorus of elders go to see him
Priest
Comparison of Oedipus and Gods
Talks of Oedipus as the "Greatest power"
Says how the people "pray to you (Oedipus)"
Describes plague
Imagery with boats
Possibly due to Athens' status as naval power
Context
Athens was in the midst of a great plague
Athenians would have almost certainly witnessed the impact of it as they made their way towards the theatre
Mimesis
Imitative representation of the real world in art and literature
Allows the audience to relate to the citizens of Thebes
Plot
Chorus of Elders comes in religious procession to see Oedipus