Introduction to the Ancient World: Greece

Oedipus and Athens

I. Sophocles (496-406 B.C.); 3rd actor; one play 

II. Oedipus and Athens 

A. tyrannis (380, 873ff.) and plague
B. character traits (example from Thucydides): faith in action, speed, impatience, careful  reflection, intelligence, self-confidence, intelligent amateurism  (Sphinx), devotion to city, courage, conspiracy hunting, quack prophets
C. the mode of the plot: an Athenian legal investigation (cf. 1120ff.) 

III. Oedipus and the fifth century: "Man is the measure of all things"  (Protagoras); intellect uber alles 

IV. The tragedy of tragedies 

A. Why Aristotle was wrong; hamartia; the scenes with Tiresias and Creon (300ff.)
B. tragedy of "fate"? Predestination vs. foreknowledge
C. the formalistic view: just good theater
D. meaning and moral

1. human heroism (cf. 1075ff., 1329ff., 1370ff., 1450ff., 1530ff.)
2. intellectual hamartia 

Review sessions tomorrow, Session 1 from 2-3 pm, in GSB (Graduate School of Business) 2.122; Session 2, from 4-5 pm, in RAS (ROTC Bldg.) 213. Test #2 on Wednesday.