So Far...
I think the most interesting part of studying literature in this class has been getting to read other people’s opinions and views on the material we read. I have been reading since I can remember, and my mom used to teach high school English, so I have always been encouraged to read, but I’ve never really shared my thoughts on literature with a group before-it has been enlightening, entertaining, and (at times) disappointing. I continue to hope I can get over my scepticism of trying to analyze someone else’s work. I really find it hard to believe that Shakespeare, for example, meant for his readers to get as much out of his work as we put on it today. I have a hard time not being critical of overanalyzing writing of any kind, but I am trying to put that aside for this class. I am concerned that I may be doing these blogs completely wrong...I wish we got marked on them every week.
The following definitions were obtained from www.dictionary.com:
Hamartia: the flaw in character which leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy.
Oedipus’ tragic flaw is perhaps his strong desire not to fulfil the prophecy he believes he is meant for. He is so disdainful, alarmed, and frightened by the prophecy that he leaves his home to avoid it. He does not act carefully, or think morally, on his journey, if he had perhaps his true father would not have been killed, leaving his true mother available for marriage.
Hubris: (in Greek tragedy) an excess of ambition, pride, etc., ultimately causing the transgressor’s ruin.
Oedipus’ is so arrogant and proud that he believes his own rule of Thebes will end their hard times. When things worsen he becomes obsessed with finding out who murdered the former king, not thinking that it could have been him (he is not exempt from the crime of murder).
Catharsis: the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, such as tragedy or music.
Catharsis is featured in the play in a way I suppose, but the characters do seem to be cathartic in ways that are much more extreme then may be necessary. Oedipus’ (upon learning he has fulfilled the prophecy) curses himself and gouges his eyes out, and his mother kills herself because of her shame and grief. Catharsis through singing a song, or painting a picture might be a bit less harmful overall.
Peripeteia: a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal, especially in a literary work.
Oedipus’ whole life seems to be a long road of unexpected reversals. Is born royalty, then cast aside for dead, but found and raised as a peasant. He leaves as a traveller, becomes a murderer, defeats a mythical beast, and becomes a king. Then he blinds and exiles himself from his home and family. Of course, you could also say that this is all just part of the prophecy and, therefore expected.
Anagnorisis: (in ancient Greek tragedy) the critical moment of recognition or discovery, especially preceding peripeteia.
When Oedipus discovers who his real parents are, and what he has done, it is absolutely the critical moment of discovery. It shapes the whole ending of the play: the suicide, the blinding, and the exile.
The following definitions were obtained from www.dictionary.com:
Hamartia: the flaw in character which leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy.
Oedipus’ tragic flaw is perhaps his strong desire not to fulfil the prophecy he believes he is meant for. He is so disdainful, alarmed, and frightened by the prophecy that he leaves his home to avoid it. He does not act carefully, or think morally, on his journey, if he had perhaps his true father would not have been killed, leaving his true mother available for marriage.
Hubris: (in Greek tragedy) an excess of ambition, pride, etc., ultimately causing the transgressor’s ruin.
Oedipus’ is so arrogant and proud that he believes his own rule of Thebes will end their hard times. When things worsen he becomes obsessed with finding out who murdered the former king, not thinking that it could have been him (he is not exempt from the crime of murder).
Catharsis: the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, such as tragedy or music.
Catharsis is featured in the play in a way I suppose, but the characters do seem to be cathartic in ways that are much more extreme then may be necessary. Oedipus’ (upon learning he has fulfilled the prophecy) curses himself and gouges his eyes out, and his mother kills herself because of her shame and grief. Catharsis through singing a song, or painting a picture might be a bit less harmful overall.
Peripeteia: a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal, especially in a literary work.
Oedipus’ whole life seems to be a long road of unexpected reversals. Is born royalty, then cast aside for dead, but found and raised as a peasant. He leaves as a traveller, becomes a murderer, defeats a mythical beast, and becomes a king. Then he blinds and exiles himself from his home and family. Of course, you could also say that this is all just part of the prophecy and, therefore expected.
Anagnorisis: (in ancient Greek tragedy) the critical moment of recognition or discovery, especially preceding peripeteia.
When Oedipus discovers who his real parents are, and what he has done, it is absolutely the critical moment of discovery. It shapes the whole ending of the play: the suicide, the blinding, and the exile.