Explain the structure of Greek tragedy regarding Oedipus Rex text
The structure of a Greek tragedy, as exemplified in Oedipus Rex, follows a specific and
formalized pattern that enhances the dramatic intensity of the play. Here's a breakdown of the
structure:
1. Prologue (Prologos)
The prologue is the opening part of the play, where the background of the story is set up. In
Oedipus Rex, the prologue features a conversation between Oedipus and the priest, where the
priest describes the plague afflicting Thebes and begs Oedipus to find a solution. This section
provides essential exposition and sets the tone for the unfolding drama.
2. Parodos
The parodos is the entrance song of the chorus, which usually follows the prologue. The chorus
in Oedipus Rex represents the elders of Thebes, and their song reflects the communal concerns
and hopes of the people. They pray to the gods for relief from the plague, thereby reinforcing the
religious and communal aspects of the play.
3. Episodes
The episodes are the main action of the play, consisting of dialogue between the characters. In
Oedipus Rex, there are several episodes where Oedipus interacts with other characters such as
Creon, Teiresias, and Jocasta. Each episode advances the plot, reveals more about the characters,
and builds the tension leading to the climax.
4. Stasimon (Stasima)
Between each episode, the chorus performs a stasimon, a choral ode that reflects on the events
that have just occurred. These odes often explore the themes of the play, provide commentary,
and express the collective emotions of the chorus. In Oedipus Rex, the stasima highlight themes
like fate, the gods' will, and human suffering.
5. Exodus
The exodus is the final part of the play, following the last episode. In Oedipus Rex, the exodus
contains the resolution of the plot, where Oedipus discovers the truth about his origins, blinds
himself, and decides to go into exile. The chorus usually delivers a final reflection on the events,
emphasizing the moral lesson of the tragedy. In Oedipus Rex, this lesson is the inevitable nature
of fate and the limits of human understanding.
Key Structural Elements:
Unity of Time, Place, and Action: Greek tragedies typically adhere to the classical
unities, meaning the play’s events occur within a single day (unity of time), in one
location (unity of place), and follow a single plotline (unity of action). Oedipus Rex is a
prime example of these unities, which intensifies the dramatic focus.
Hamartia (Tragic Flaw): The protagonist’s tragic flaw is crucial to the structure.
Oedipus’ hamartia is often interpreted as his hubris (excessive pride) and his relentless
pursuit of the truth, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Anagnorisis and Peripeteia: These are critical turning points in the tragedy. Anagnorisis
refers to the moment of recognition when the protagonist realizes a critical truth—in
Oedipus Rex, it is the moment Oedipus realizes he is the murderer of Laius and Jocasta is
his mother. Peripeteia is the reversal of fortune that follows this recognition, where
Oedipus shifts from king to outcast.
Catharsis: The structure of the tragedy aims to evoke catharsis—a purging of emotions
—in the audience, particularly feelings of pity and fear. The intense emotions generated
by Oedipus’s fall and the inevitability of his fate lead to this emotional release.
This structured approach not only intensifies the drama but also reinforces the themes of fate,
human limitation, and the consequences of hubris that are central to Greek tragedies like
Oedipus Rex.
