Literary Elements Worksheet 2
Frankenstein
Symbols
Romantic writers share a taste for symbolism, and Mary Shelley is no exception. In Frankenstein, the symbolic significance of certain places, objects, and natural elements is an important key to understanding the novel.
The first column of the chart below lists symbols used in the novel. Locate an example of the use of each symbol in the text and copy the sentences or passages involving the symbol in the second column. In the third column, state the possible meaning of each symbol.
Symbol Example Explanation
the color white, or brilliant light
the Alps
water
ice
lightning or electricity
FOLLOW-UP
Which of the symbols do you think is the most effective? Why?
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12 December 2011
Frankenstein WB 62
Literary Elements Worksheet 1
Frankenstein
Irony
Mary Shelley uses the literary technique of irony to contrast expectation and reality. Irony presents a discrepancy between what is said and what is really meant, between what would normally be expected and what actually happens, or between what the audience knows and what a character knows.
Verbal irony occurs when a character says one thing but really means something else.
Example: The Creature introduces himself to the elderly and blind De Lacey by saying, "I am a traveller in want of a little rest."
Explain how what the Creature says is different from what he really means.
Situations! irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen, or what is appropriate to happen, and what really does happen.
Example: Although the De Lacey family is portrayed as valuing virtue and intelligence, they beat and repel the Creature, who possesses both of these qualities, simply because he is ugly.
Explain the contrast between what is expected or appropriate and what actually occurs.
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something important that a character does not know.
Example: The old woman who nurses Frankenstein after he collapses upon seeing Clerval's corpse says, "If you mean about the gentleman you murdered, I believe that it were better for you if you were dead ..."
Explain the irony with information that readers know but the woman does not know.
FOLLOW-UP: Find another example in the novel of one of the three types of irony. Explain what
makes it ironic.
Example:
Frankenstein
Irony
Mary Shelley uses the literary technique of irony to contrast expectation and reality. Irony presents a discrepancy between what is said and what is really meant, between what would normally be expected and what actually happens, or between what the audience knows and what a character knows.
Verbal irony occurs when a character says one thing but really means something else.
Example: The Creature introduces himself to the elderly and blind De Lacey by saying, "I am a traveller in want of a little rest."
Explain how what the Creature says is different from what he really means.
Situations! irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen, or what is appropriate to happen, and what really does happen.
Example: Although the De Lacey family is portrayed as valuing virtue and intelligence, they beat and repel the Creature, who possesses both of these qualities, simply because he is ugly.
Explain the contrast between what is expected or appropriate and what actually occurs.
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something important that a character does not know.
Example: The old woman who nurses Frankenstein after he collapses upon seeing Clerval's corpse says, "If you mean about the gentleman you murdered, I believe that it were better for you if you were dead ..."
Explain the irony with information that readers know but the woman does not know.
FOLLOW-UP: Find another example in the novel of one of the three types of irony. Explain what
makes it ironic.
Example:
Frankenstein WB 61
Novel Review
(cont.)
Frankenstein
Setting
Time
Most important place(s).................................................................................
One effect of setting on plot, theme, or character
PLOT
List key events from the novel.
• •
• •
• •
Use your list to identify the plot elements below. Add other events as necessary. Major conflict / problem
Turning point / climax.....................................................................................
Resolution / denouement
MAJOR THEMES
(cont.)
Frankenstein
Setting
Time
Most important place(s).................................................................................
One effect of setting on plot, theme, or character
PLOT
List key events from the novel.
• •
• •
• •
Use your list to identify the plot elements below. Add other events as necessary. Major conflict / problem
Turning point / climax.....................................................................................
Resolution / denouement
MAJOR THEMES
Frankenstein WB 60
Novel Review
Frankenstein
List the MAJOR CHARACTERS
NAME OF CHARACTER:
DESCRIPTION:
FOLLOW-UP: A dynamic character changes in some important way as a result of the story's action. In a paragraph, trace the transformation of one dynamic character from the time the character is introduced through the conclusion of the novel.
60 Frankenstein
Frankenstein
List the MAJOR CHARACTERS
NAME OF CHARACTER:
DESCRIPTION:
FOLLOW-UP: A dynamic character changes in some important way as a result of the story's action. In a paragraph, trace the transformation of one dynamic character from the time the character is introduced through the conclusion of the novel.
60 Frankenstein
Frankenstein WB 57
Reading Strategies: Chapters XVII-XXIV
Frankenstein
Understanding Cause and Effect
In his eloquent speech in Chapter XVII, the Creature uses both convincing facts and strong emotional appeals to persuade Frankenstein to create a partner for him.
Reread the chapter and find three persuasive statements or ideas and list them in the first column of the following chart. In the second column, briefly explain the effect of the statement or idea on Frankenstein. In the third column, describe the effect of the statement or idea on you.
Persuasive Statement or Idea
Effect of Statement or Idea on Frankenstein
Effect of Statement or Idea on You
1.
2.
3.
FOLLOW-UP: Which of the Creature's statements or ideas is the most convincing to you? Explain why you find it more persuasive than the others.
Study Guide
57
Frankenstein
Understanding Cause and Effect
In his eloquent speech in Chapter XVII, the Creature uses both convincing facts and strong emotional appeals to persuade Frankenstein to create a partner for him.
Reread the chapter and find three persuasive statements or ideas and list them in the first column of the following chart. In the second column, briefly explain the effect of the statement or idea on Frankenstein. In the third column, describe the effect of the statement or idea on you.
Persuasive Statement or Idea
Effect of Statement or Idea on Frankenstein
Effect of Statement or Idea on You
1.
2.
3.
FOLLOW-UP: Which of the Creature's statements or ideas is the most convincing to you? Explain why you find it more persuasive than the others.
Study Guide
57
Frankenstein WB 56
Making Meanings: Chapters XVII-XXIV
Frankenstein
Writing Opportunity
Expand your response to this question into a paragraph explaining two or three other ironies about the relationship between the Creature and his creator.
1. Do you believe that the Creature is reallyremorseful about Victor's death, or doyou think, as Walton does, that he is ahypocritical fiend?
Shaping Interpretations
2. The characters of Victor and Henry arecontrasted with each other in the novel.On the journey to England, how aretheir moods and goals different?
3. In Geneva, when he was fifteen, Victorsaw a tree destroyed by a bolt of lightning. He now sees himself as a "blasted tree" whose soul has been invaded by"the bolt." What is he saying about himself in this allusion?
4. In his final discussion with Walton, Victor says that he has examined his past conduct and finds nothing for which to blame himself. He considers his scientificendeavors as an illustrious achievement and feels justified in desiring the death ofthe Creature. What does his unrepentant stance suggest about his character?
5. In what ways do the characters of Victor and the Creature begin to resembleeach other? Why is their growing similarity ironic?
Connecting with the Text
6. Victor must decide whether or not to create a partner for the Creature after hehears the Creature's story. If you were in Victor's position, what decision wouldyou make and why?
Extending the Text
7. The Creature says, "I am malicious because I am miserable," and he is miserablebecause he is "shunned and hated by all mankind." Do you think most people iftreated in a similar fashion would eventually grow to hate society and want to geteven with those who have caused their suffering? Can you think of any examplesfrom the media to support your answer?
Challenging the Text
8. Which of the following do you think is Victor's most irresponsible act: his creationof such an ugly being, his abandonment of the Creature and neglect of his education, his refusal to create a partner for the Creature, or his refusal to tell anyone(until Walton) what he had done? Explain your choice.
56
Frankenstein
Frankenstein
Writing Opportunity
Expand your response to this question into a paragraph explaining two or three other ironies about the relationship between the Creature and his creator.
1. Do you believe that the Creature is reallyremorseful about Victor's death, or doyou think, as Walton does, that he is ahypocritical fiend?
Shaping Interpretations
2. The characters of Victor and Henry arecontrasted with each other in the novel.On the journey to England, how aretheir moods and goals different?
3. In Geneva, when he was fifteen, Victorsaw a tree destroyed by a bolt of lightning. He now sees himself as a "blasted tree" whose soul has been invaded by"the bolt." What is he saying about himself in this allusion?
4. In his final discussion with Walton, Victor says that he has examined his past conduct and finds nothing for which to blame himself. He considers his scientificendeavors as an illustrious achievement and feels justified in desiring the death ofthe Creature. What does his unrepentant stance suggest about his character?
5. In what ways do the characters of Victor and the Creature begin to resembleeach other? Why is their growing similarity ironic?
Connecting with the Text
6. Victor must decide whether or not to create a partner for the Creature after hehears the Creature's story. If you were in Victor's position, what decision wouldyou make and why?
Extending the Text
7. The Creature says, "I am malicious because I am miserable," and he is miserablebecause he is "shunned and hated by all mankind." Do you think most people iftreated in a similar fashion would eventually grow to hate society and want to geteven with those who have caused their suffering? Can you think of any examplesfrom the media to support your answer?
Challenging the Text
8. Which of the following do you think is Victor's most irresponsible act: his creationof such an ugly being, his abandonment of the Creature and neglect of his education, his refusal to create a partner for the Creature, or his refusal to tell anyone(until Walton) what he had done? Explain your choice.
56
Frankenstein
Frankenstein WB page 55
Choices: Chapters XI-XVI
Frankenstein
Building Your Portfolio
A Room of One's Own
Draw the space that the Creature calls "home"—the De Lacey cottage, its main living room, and the attached hovel; the garden; the outhouses; and the surrounding forest. Find references or passages in the novel to support the choices in your artwork. You might want to use the quotes from the text in your drawing as well.
Humans on Trial
With a small group of your classmates, debate the case for and against the way humans behave toward the Creature. Should they show more compassion, or is it natural for humans to react negatively to a strange outsider? Cite examples from real life, from other novels or stories, or from films or television shows to support your points of view.
READING STRATEGIES
And Then What Happened?
At the end of Chapter XVI, get together with a partner and make predictions about what will happen next. Consider the following questions: How do you think Victor will react to the Creature's story? Will he create a partner for the Creature? How do you think the novel will end? You should each keep track of your predictions on a sheet of paper divided into two columns marked Prediction and Actual Outcome. As you finish reading the novel, use these organizers to confirm or refute your predictions.
CREATIVE WRITING
Read All About It ****
Write a newspaper article describing the appearance of the Creature in the village. Write from the villagers' point of view. What did they see? What did they think the Creature was? What do they do to prepare for another visit, if there should be one? Is anyone arguing for a different approach to the Creature than the villagers showed in the past? What is that person advising?
Consider This . . .
There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No: from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and, more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this insupportable misery.
How is justice different from revenge? Do you think revenge is ever justified? Explain.
Writing Follow-up: Problem-Solution__ •
Think of some positive ways to release or express anger. Suggest at least two possible ways of constructively dealing with anger. Write two to four paragraphs.
Novel Notes Choose one of the following:
• Choose a scene from one of the chaptersand rewrite it as a scene for a motion picture.
• Describe the plot of a book or film thatevoked horror in you and tell why you thinkthe author of Frankenstein would or would not like it.
Frankenstein
Building Your Portfolio
A Room of One's Own
Draw the space that the Creature calls "home"—the De Lacey cottage, its main living room, and the attached hovel; the garden; the outhouses; and the surrounding forest. Find references or passages in the novel to support the choices in your artwork. You might want to use the quotes from the text in your drawing as well.
Humans on Trial
With a small group of your classmates, debate the case for and against the way humans behave toward the Creature. Should they show more compassion, or is it natural for humans to react negatively to a strange outsider? Cite examples from real life, from other novels or stories, or from films or television shows to support your points of view.
READING STRATEGIES
And Then What Happened?
At the end of Chapter XVI, get together with a partner and make predictions about what will happen next. Consider the following questions: How do you think Victor will react to the Creature's story? Will he create a partner for the Creature? How do you think the novel will end? You should each keep track of your predictions on a sheet of paper divided into two columns marked Prediction and Actual Outcome. As you finish reading the novel, use these organizers to confirm or refute your predictions.
CREATIVE WRITING
Read All About It ****
Write a newspaper article describing the appearance of the Creature in the village. Write from the villagers' point of view. What did they see? What did they think the Creature was? What do they do to prepare for another visit, if there should be one? Is anyone arguing for a different approach to the Creature than the villagers showed in the past? What is that person advising?
Consider This . . .
There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No: from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and, more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this insupportable misery.
How is justice different from revenge? Do you think revenge is ever justified? Explain.
Writing Follow-up: Problem-Solution__ •
Think of some positive ways to release or express anger. Suggest at least two possible ways of constructively dealing with anger. Write two to four paragraphs.
Novel Notes Choose one of the following:
• Choose a scene from one of the chaptersand rewrite it as a scene for a motion picture.
• Describe the plot of a book or film thatevoked horror in you and tell why you thinkthe author of Frankenstein would or would not like it.
Frankenstein
Reading Strategies: Chapters V-X
Frankenstein
Characterization
Shelley uses indirect characterization to depict Victor Frankenstein's ambivalence about his work. As Frankenstein's mood swings back and forth between moments of happiness and moments of anxiety or horror, it becomes clear that he cannot reconcile his conflicting emotions.
In the graphic organizer below, describe Frankenstein's reaction to the situation listed, and then describe the reason for his reaction. The first one has been done for you.
Situation
Frankenstein's Reaction
Reason for Reaction
1. The Creature comes to life.
He rushes out of the room and paces back and forth in his room.
The Creature is more horrible than Frankenstein ever imagined; he refuses to take responsibility for his creation.
2. The Creature looks at Frankenstein through the bed curtains.
3. Henry Clerval arrives.
4. Victor and Henry return to Victor's apartment.
5. Victor is praised by M. Waldman and M. Krempe.
6. Victor visits the site where his brother William was murdered.
7. Victor meets the Creature on the slopes of Montanvertu
FOLLOW-UP: Write a paragraph or two in which you provide some advice to Victor Frankenstein on how to lessen his despair.
Study Guide
49
Frankenstein
Characterization
Shelley uses indirect characterization to depict Victor Frankenstein's ambivalence about his work. As Frankenstein's mood swings back and forth between moments of happiness and moments of anxiety or horror, it becomes clear that he cannot reconcile his conflicting emotions.
In the graphic organizer below, describe Frankenstein's reaction to the situation listed, and then describe the reason for his reaction. The first one has been done for you.
Situation
Frankenstein's Reaction
Reason for Reaction
1. The Creature comes to life.
He rushes out of the room and paces back and forth in his room.
The Creature is more horrible than Frankenstein ever imagined; he refuses to take responsibility for his creation.
2. The Creature looks at Frankenstein through the bed curtains.
3. Henry Clerval arrives.
4. Victor and Henry return to Victor's apartment.
5. Victor is praised by M. Waldman and M. Krempe.
6. Victor visits the site where his brother William was murdered.
7. Victor meets the Creature on the slopes of Montanvertu
FOLLOW-UP: Write a paragraph or two in which you provide some advice to Victor Frankenstein on how to lessen his despair.
Study Guide
49
Frankenstein
Making Meanings: Chapters V-X
Frankenstein
First Thoughts
1. With whom do you sympathize more—Victor or his creation? Why?
Shaping Interpretations
2. Victor had been totally engrossed in theproject until he actually brought theCreature to life. Why do you thinkVictor's feelings changed?
3. What do you think is the significanceof Frankenstein's dream aboutElizabeth? What future events might itforeshadow?
Writing Opportunity
Expand your response in a paragraph that explains the effects of the novel's multiple settings. How does each setting reinforce a particular mood?
4. Victor's personality is repeatedly contrasted with that of his friend Henry. What aresome of the differences between the two characters?
5. Nature is an important part of the setting of the novel. At times, it soothesVictor's troubled mind; at other times, it mirrors his agitation. Choose a scene thattakes place out of doors and analyze the role that nature plays.
6. What do Elizabeth's reactions to the horrible events unfolding about her revealabout her personality? Support your answer with specific details from the story.
7. Victor travels into the mountains to gain relief from his feelings of despair andguilt. The Alps are symbols, that is, they stand for something beyond themselves.What do you think the snowy peaks symbolize?
8. In Chapter X, the Creature speaks for the first time. How does his voice and manner differ from Victor's voice and manner?
Connecting with the Text
9. Victor's immediate response is to run away from the Creature rather than face upto his mistake. Furthermore, when Victor returns to his apartment and finds thatthe Creature is not there, he does not attempt to find out what happened to it.Describe a situation in another story or in a movie or TV show in which a character ran away from a problem instead of facing it.
Extending the Text
10. Parental responsibility is a big issue in today's society. What obligations do you think parents have toward their children? Do you think parents should be held accountable for their children's behavior? Why or why not?
48 Frankenstein
Frankenstein
First Thoughts
1. With whom do you sympathize more—Victor or his creation? Why?
Shaping Interpretations
2. Victor had been totally engrossed in theproject until he actually brought theCreature to life. Why do you thinkVictor's feelings changed?
3. What do you think is the significanceof Frankenstein's dream aboutElizabeth? What future events might itforeshadow?
Writing Opportunity
Expand your response in a paragraph that explains the effects of the novel's multiple settings. How does each setting reinforce a particular mood?
4. Victor's personality is repeatedly contrasted with that of his friend Henry. What aresome of the differences between the two characters?
5. Nature is an important part of the setting of the novel. At times, it soothesVictor's troubled mind; at other times, it mirrors his agitation. Choose a scene thattakes place out of doors and analyze the role that nature plays.
6. What do Elizabeth's reactions to the horrible events unfolding about her revealabout her personality? Support your answer with specific details from the story.
7. Victor travels into the mountains to gain relief from his feelings of despair andguilt. The Alps are symbols, that is, they stand for something beyond themselves.What do you think the snowy peaks symbolize?
8. In Chapter X, the Creature speaks for the first time. How does his voice and manner differ from Victor's voice and manner?
Connecting with the Text
9. Victor's immediate response is to run away from the Creature rather than face upto his mistake. Furthermore, when Victor returns to his apartment and finds thatthe Creature is not there, he does not attempt to find out what happened to it.Describe a situation in another story or in a movie or TV show in which a character ran away from a problem instead of facing it.
Extending the Text
10. Parental responsibility is a big issue in today's society. What obligations do you think parents have toward their children? Do you think parents should be held accountable for their children's behavior? Why or why not?
48 Frankenstein
09 December 2011
Model of Parenthetical Documentation
Model Parenthetical Citations
MLA (Modern Language Association) format follows the author-page method of citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear in your works cited list (see Your Works Cited Page, below). The author's name may appear either in the sentence itself or in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase, but the page number(s) should always appear in the parentheses, not in the text of your sentence.
Examples:
Direct Quotation with author’s name appearing in the sentence: Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).
Direct Quotation without author’s name appearing in the sentence: Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
Paraphrase with author’s name appearing in the sentence: Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
No author’s name given: An anonymous Wordsworth critic once argued that his poems were too emotional ("Wordsworth Is A Loser" 100).
MLA (Modern Language Association) format follows the author-page method of citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear in your works cited list (see Your Works Cited Page, below). The author's name may appear either in the sentence itself or in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase, but the page number(s) should always appear in the parentheses, not in the text of your sentence.
Examples:
Direct Quotation with author’s name appearing in the sentence: Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).
Direct Quotation without author’s name appearing in the sentence: Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
Paraphrase with author’s name appearing in the sentence: Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
No author’s name given: An anonymous Wordsworth critic once argued that his poems were too emotional ("Wordsworth Is A Loser" 100).
Information for the WIT Essay
1.Be sure to use 1-inch margins for all bottom, top, and side margins,
2.Use Times New Roman font.
3.Use size 12 font.
4.Double space your paper.
5.Make a Title Page—be sure to put your Word Count as the last thing on your title page. Also, place the word count again, on the last page of your essay—double space after your last paragraph and then give the word count.
6.Make sure that you parenthetically document all quotes and any information that did not originate with you.
7.List your source (s) on the Works Cited page—this will be your last page and it will numbered. If you don’t know how to do it, google “MLA Works Cited page.” It will tell you exactly how to do it!
8.Remember: your minimum word count is 1200 words! You must not go over 1500 words.
1.Be sure to use 1-inch margins for all bottom, top, and side margins,
2.Use Times New Roman font.
3.Use size 12 font.
4.Double space your paper.
5.Make a Title Page—be sure to put your Word Count as the last thing on your title page. Also, place the word count again, on the last page of your essay—double space after your last paragraph and then give the word count.
6.Make sure that you parenthetically document all quotes and any information that did not originate with you.
7.List your source (s) on the Works Cited page—this will be your last page and it will numbered. If you don’t know how to do it, google “MLA Works Cited page.” It will tell you exactly how to do it!
8.Remember: your minimum word count is 1200 words! You must not go over 1500 words.
07 October 2011
Cyrano de Bergerac etext
Cyrano de Bergerac
by Edmond Rostand
All new material ©2011 Enotes.com Inc. or its Licensors. All Rights Reserved.
No portion may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.
For complete copyright information please see the online version of this text at
http://www.enotes.com/cyrano-de-text
by Edmond Rostand
All new material ©2011 Enotes.com Inc. or its Licensors. All Rights Reserved.
No portion may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.
For complete copyright information please see the online version of this text at
http://www.enotes.com/cyrano-de-text
19 January 2011
Scene 4 and Exodos Qs. on Oedipus Rex
Questions on Scene 4/Choral Ode
1. How does the messenger’s well-meaning effort to jog the old herdsman’s memory remind us of the way a cross-examiner might try to get a recalcitrant witness to « remember » in court ?
2. Why is the old man (herdsman) reluctant to answer ?
3. What does Oedipus threaten to do to make the herdsman talk ?
4. Why does the herdsman shrink from saying what he’s been forced to tell ?
5. Why does Oedipus feel compelled to hear the truth uttered aloud ?
6. The rapid-fire dialogue between Oedipus and the herdsman is an example of what ?
7. Why does Oedipus want never again to see the light of sun now that the truth has been clearly revealed ?
8. Do the Chorus’ words suggest that Oedipus did anything to deserve his fate ?
9. Oedipus’ fall from grace is an example of what ?
10. Explain the metaphor of « Time » in Antistrophe 2.
11. Choruses frequently meditate on the ways in which affection brings suffering. Why ?
Questions on the Exodos
1. Describe the prelude to Jocasta’s death.
2. How did Jocasta die ?
3. What was Oedipus’ reaction to Jocasta’s suicide ?
4. Why did Oedipus commit this act ?
5. Whom does Oedipus curse ?
6. What does Oedipus mean when he says that Apollo was the curse, but he himself is the agent of his own blinding ?
7. Is it reasonable that Oedipus feels he cannot bear to look on anything in the world anymore ?
8. What ironies are involved in Oedipus’ curse on the man who saved him ?
9. Why is he disturbed that his friends pity him and feel pain for him ?
10. Do you agree or disagree witgh the Chorus that Oedipus would be better off dead than blind and banished ?
11. What might Oedipus’ decision to go on living in blindness, exile, and suffering say about his heroic statue ?
12. Why does Oedipus say that he deserves worse punishment than hanging ?
13. Now that Oedipus is blind, where is his inner vision turned ?
14. How are Creon’s tone and remarks reminiscent of Jocasta ?
15. Is there evidence that Creon is cool and impatient with Oedipus ?
16. Analyze lines 222-242.
17. How is Oedipus’ speech like a funeral lament ?
18. Is Creon’s admonition about Oedipus’ children mean-spirited, kindly, justified ? Why ?
1. How does the messenger’s well-meaning effort to jog the old herdsman’s memory remind us of the way a cross-examiner might try to get a recalcitrant witness to « remember » in court ?
2. Why is the old man (herdsman) reluctant to answer ?
3. What does Oedipus threaten to do to make the herdsman talk ?
4. Why does the herdsman shrink from saying what he’s been forced to tell ?
5. Why does Oedipus feel compelled to hear the truth uttered aloud ?
6. The rapid-fire dialogue between Oedipus and the herdsman is an example of what ?
7. Why does Oedipus want never again to see the light of sun now that the truth has been clearly revealed ?
8. Do the Chorus’ words suggest that Oedipus did anything to deserve his fate ?
9. Oedipus’ fall from grace is an example of what ?
10. Explain the metaphor of « Time » in Antistrophe 2.
11. Choruses frequently meditate on the ways in which affection brings suffering. Why ?
Questions on the Exodos
1. Describe the prelude to Jocasta’s death.
2. How did Jocasta die ?
3. What was Oedipus’ reaction to Jocasta’s suicide ?
4. Why did Oedipus commit this act ?
5. Whom does Oedipus curse ?
6. What does Oedipus mean when he says that Apollo was the curse, but he himself is the agent of his own blinding ?
7. Is it reasonable that Oedipus feels he cannot bear to look on anything in the world anymore ?
8. What ironies are involved in Oedipus’ curse on the man who saved him ?
9. Why is he disturbed that his friends pity him and feel pain for him ?
10. Do you agree or disagree witgh the Chorus that Oedipus would be better off dead than blind and banished ?
11. What might Oedipus’ decision to go on living in blindness, exile, and suffering say about his heroic statue ?
12. Why does Oedipus say that he deserves worse punishment than hanging ?
13. Now that Oedipus is blind, where is his inner vision turned ?
14. How are Creon’s tone and remarks reminiscent of Jocasta ?
15. Is there evidence that Creon is cool and impatient with Oedipus ?
16. Analyze lines 222-242.
17. How is Oedipus’ speech like a funeral lament ?
18. Is Creon’s admonition about Oedipus’ children mean-spirited, kindly, justified ? Why ?
Scene 3 Q.s on Oedipus Rex
Questions on Scene 3/Choral Ode
1. Discuss how the messenger’s arrival makes us feel that the plot has been tied into a « knot » that needs to be undone.
2. Look up the Greek word « philos. » How is this ironic when Oedipus uses this word in speaking to Jocasta ?
3. How do you respond to Oedipus’ reaction of relief to the messenger’s message ? Why ?
4. How does the fact that Oedipus should derive comfort from what ought to be bad news highlight the way in which everything is turned upside down in this legend ?
5. By refusing to go near his parents, and thus, theoretically, eliminating the chance of fulfilling the oracle, what is Oedepus really avoiding ?
6. Who is « Liaus’ man »?
7. What does Jocasta mean in lines 140-142 ?
8. Why do you think Jocasta does not want the truth about Oedipus’ birth revealed ?
9. How is Oedipus being unfair to Jocasta in lines 158-162 ?
10.What is Oedipus’ reaction to his being a foundling ?
11.What is the Chorus’ reaction to this news ?
1. Discuss how the messenger’s arrival makes us feel that the plot has been tied into a « knot » that needs to be undone.
2. Look up the Greek word « philos. » How is this ironic when Oedipus uses this word in speaking to Jocasta ?
3. How do you respond to Oedipus’ reaction of relief to the messenger’s message ? Why ?
4. How does the fact that Oedipus should derive comfort from what ought to be bad news highlight the way in which everything is turned upside down in this legend ?
5. By refusing to go near his parents, and thus, theoretically, eliminating the chance of fulfilling the oracle, what is Oedepus really avoiding ?
6. Who is « Liaus’ man »?
7. What does Jocasta mean in lines 140-142 ?
8. Why do you think Jocasta does not want the truth about Oedipus’ birth revealed ?
9. How is Oedipus being unfair to Jocasta in lines 158-162 ?
10.What is Oedipus’ reaction to his being a foundling ?
11.What is the Chorus’ reaction to this news ?
12 January 2011
Questions on Scenes 1 and 2 Oedipus Rex
Oedipus Rex : Questions on Scene 1/Ode
1.Summarize Oedipus’s first speech in Scene 1.
2.How do you respond to Oedipus’s curse ? What does it say about human knowledge that Oedipus, renowned for his intelligence, cannot see what is plain to us, with our hindsight ?
3.Oedipus thinks of himself as a « stranger » to the city and to the royal house. Why is this a tragic mistake ?
4.Does Teiresias sound reasonable ? Is Oedipus justified in feeling infuriated ?
5.What do you think is revealed in Scene 1 as one of Oedipus’s flaws ?
6.Is Oedipus’s suspiciousness based on reasonable (even if ultimately false) conjecture ?
7.What does Teiresias imply about the role of seer ?
8.What does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of ? Why do you think he does this ?
9.How does the audience understand Teiresias in a way Oedipus does not ?
10.Give specific examples of Oedipus’s arrogance in this scene.
11.Summarize Teiresias’s prophecy in this scene.
12.One of the ironies of the play is that the structure of its plot is essentially comic, that is suited to a story with a happy ending. Normally, the stranger who proves to be a citizen gains rewards. What does Teiresias say will happen to this « stranger » ?
13.What does the metaphor « a fellow sower in his father’s bed » mean ?
14.Why does the Chorus seem not to understand Teriesias’s prophecy, which to us seems quite explicit ?
15.Oedipus has represented himself as a « tracker. » What is the effect of the Chorus speaking of itself now as a tracker, or a pack of hunting hounds ?
16.Why is the Chorus reluctant to believe Teiresias ? On what is the Thebans’ allegiance to Oedipus based ?
Questions on Scene 2/Ode of Oedipus Rex
1. How do you react to Oedipus’ outburst ? How has Oedipus moved from conjecture to certainty ? Is he justified ?
2. What is the irony of Oedipus’ use of hunting images to describe Creon’s supposed ambition ?
3. What does the exchange between Oedipus and Creon remind you of ?
4. What does Creon mean when he says that he doesn’t want to be king ?
5. What is Oedipus really saying to the Chorus in lines 137-138 ?
6. Is there a metaphor in lines 169-170 ? If so, what is it ?
7. What is Jocasta’s view of prophets ? Is it similar to Oedipus’ view ?
8. How does Oedipus interpret Jocasta’s speech ?
9. Discuss Oedipus’ reaction to Apollo’s prophecy when he heard it (p. 1242).
10. What do you feel about Oedipus’ attempt to take action rather than submit passively to his fate ?
11. React to the gods’ malevolence.
12. Why does Oedipus seem less certain that he’s the murderer ?
13. Analyze Jocasta’s speech.
14. Who is the « I/me » in Strophe 1 ?
15. Summarize the Antistrophe.
16. Why might it be less frightening to believe that there is some divine plan or unuversal order, even if it is terrible, rather than thinking good and bad fortune are purely random ?
17. Of what does the Chorus try to convince Oedipus about knowledge ?
18. What role does the Chorus play in heightening the dramatic tension of this play ?
1.Summarize Oedipus’s first speech in Scene 1.
2.How do you respond to Oedipus’s curse ? What does it say about human knowledge that Oedipus, renowned for his intelligence, cannot see what is plain to us, with our hindsight ?
3.Oedipus thinks of himself as a « stranger » to the city and to the royal house. Why is this a tragic mistake ?
4.Does Teiresias sound reasonable ? Is Oedipus justified in feeling infuriated ?
5.What do you think is revealed in Scene 1 as one of Oedipus’s flaws ?
6.Is Oedipus’s suspiciousness based on reasonable (even if ultimately false) conjecture ?
7.What does Teiresias imply about the role of seer ?
8.What does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of ? Why do you think he does this ?
9.How does the audience understand Teiresias in a way Oedipus does not ?
10.Give specific examples of Oedipus’s arrogance in this scene.
11.Summarize Teiresias’s prophecy in this scene.
12.One of the ironies of the play is that the structure of its plot is essentially comic, that is suited to a story with a happy ending. Normally, the stranger who proves to be a citizen gains rewards. What does Teiresias say will happen to this « stranger » ?
13.What does the metaphor « a fellow sower in his father’s bed » mean ?
14.Why does the Chorus seem not to understand Teriesias’s prophecy, which to us seems quite explicit ?
15.Oedipus has represented himself as a « tracker. » What is the effect of the Chorus speaking of itself now as a tracker, or a pack of hunting hounds ?
16.Why is the Chorus reluctant to believe Teiresias ? On what is the Thebans’ allegiance to Oedipus based ?
Questions on Scene 2/Ode of Oedipus Rex
1. How do you react to Oedipus’ outburst ? How has Oedipus moved from conjecture to certainty ? Is he justified ?
2. What is the irony of Oedipus’ use of hunting images to describe Creon’s supposed ambition ?
3. What does the exchange between Oedipus and Creon remind you of ?
4. What does Creon mean when he says that he doesn’t want to be king ?
5. What is Oedipus really saying to the Chorus in lines 137-138 ?
6. Is there a metaphor in lines 169-170 ? If so, what is it ?
7. What is Jocasta’s view of prophets ? Is it similar to Oedipus’ view ?
8. How does Oedipus interpret Jocasta’s speech ?
9. Discuss Oedipus’ reaction to Apollo’s prophecy when he heard it (p. 1242).
10. What do you feel about Oedipus’ attempt to take action rather than submit passively to his fate ?
11. React to the gods’ malevolence.
12. Why does Oedipus seem less certain that he’s the murderer ?
13. Analyze Jocasta’s speech.
14. Who is the « I/me » in Strophe 1 ?
15. Summarize the Antistrophe.
16. Why might it be less frightening to believe that there is some divine plan or unuversal order, even if it is terrible, rather than thinking good and bad fortune are purely random ?
17. Of what does the Chorus try to convince Oedipus about knowledge ?
18. What role does the Chorus play in heightening the dramatic tension of this play ?
10 January 2011
More Questions on the Prologue to OEDIPUS REX
More Questions on the Prologue/Parodos
1. Why is Oedipus thought to be a “tyrannos”?
2. How can we say that Oedipus is described as a pilot whose duty it is to guide his ship through treacherous waters?
3. Consider the effect of contrast between the house of Cadmus, emptied, and the house of Hades, filled?
4. How do Oedipus’s subjects view him? Explain the irony that Oedipus came to Thebes as the city’s savior with the gods’ assistance?
5. When Sophocles wrote this play, Athens was reeling from recent war and a severe plague which killed many people and undermined faith in the law and religious customs. What do you think that the biggest fear of most play-goers was? ( as well as the citizens of Thebes in the play?)
6. How does Oedipus’s claim to be even more affected by the sickness than his subjects mean something different to us who know he’s polluted and is the cause of the plague?
7. Oedipus projects himself as a sort of hunter or tracker, hunting down his prey. Explain how he is also the hunter whose arrow will hit the true mark but miss the target he thinks he sees.
8. If only one man killed Liaus, why does the slave who came home say that the king’s party was surrounded by robbers rather than a single man was involved?
9. As the Chorus reminds the gods that they have helped Thebes before, of what are we reminded?
10. Why does the Chorus focus on children and women of childbearing age as victims of the plague?
1. Why is Oedipus thought to be a “tyrannos”?
2. How can we say that Oedipus is described as a pilot whose duty it is to guide his ship through treacherous waters?
3. Consider the effect of contrast between the house of Cadmus, emptied, and the house of Hades, filled?
4. How do Oedipus’s subjects view him? Explain the irony that Oedipus came to Thebes as the city’s savior with the gods’ assistance?
5. When Sophocles wrote this play, Athens was reeling from recent war and a severe plague which killed many people and undermined faith in the law and religious customs. What do you think that the biggest fear of most play-goers was? ( as well as the citizens of Thebes in the play?)
6. How does Oedipus’s claim to be even more affected by the sickness than his subjects mean something different to us who know he’s polluted and is the cause of the plague?
7. Oedipus projects himself as a sort of hunter or tracker, hunting down his prey. Explain how he is also the hunter whose arrow will hit the true mark but miss the target he thinks he sees.
8. If only one man killed Liaus, why does the slave who came home say that the king’s party was surrounded by robbers rather than a single man was involved?
9. As the Chorus reminds the gods that they have helped Thebes before, of what are we reminded?
10. Why does the Chorus focus on children and women of childbearing age as victims of the plague?
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