An Exploration of Sophocles' Postulation That Fate Dictates Oedipus' Fate in Oedipus the King

English Literature SL Written Assignment

An exploration of Sophocles’ postulation that fate manipulates Oedipus’ journey in Oedipus the King

Name: Harry Hoysted

Candidate Number: 000637-0034

School Number: 000637

Words: 1268

• Reflective Statement
• How was my understanding of cultural and contextual considerations of the work developed through the interactive oral?

My first reading of Oedipus the King left me shocked and disturbed by the monstrous nature of Oedipus’ fate. I was able to recognise Oedipus’ fall from grace and the themes of an inevitable fate or destiny, yet could only evaluate the work as a story – ignoring the key Greek theatre origins and Aristotelian tragic techniques. Preparing and executing the interactive presentation supplemented my analysis of the play’s themes and character, and broadened my understanding of the techniques used to evoke an emotional response from the audience.

Although the tale of Oedipus is already thought provoking and requires emotional investment, I prefer the story performed as a Greek play. The traditional Greek techniques augment the themes and characterization of the tragedy, without detracting from the influence of the audience’s imagination. The costumes and masks of Greek theatre create a foundation of characters’ personality and stature, opposed to merely imitating real life. By examining the role of chorus in interactive orals, I have gained a greater understanding of the reflective process involved in Greek theatre. I feel that whilst the story is the heart of Oedipus the King, the play’s presentation as Greek theatre highlights themes and the soul.

I feel that research of Oedipus the King as a perfect template of Aristotelian tragedy developed my understanding of the techniques used to maximize the emotional response felt by the audience. Discussing the concepts of reversal and recognition highlighted the sudden and drastic changes felt by the characters. The doom and powerlessness felt by Oedipus once recognising that he has brought his own wretched destiny upon himself reverts his once noble character into a figure of pity and shame. Preparing the inclusion of Aristotelian tragic elements in my interactive oral set the scene for the predominant themes in Greek tragic theatre, expanding my knowledge of the real world context of the play.  

Through discussion and research of traditional Greek theatre techniques and the Aristotelian tragedy, I heightened my enjoyment of Oedipus the King. I truly felt the effects of the play’s techniques, evoking my pity for Oedipus despite my own lack of relation with Oedipus’ motives.  The interactive oral has allowed for a greater understanding and enjoyment of Oedipus the King, as well as my appreciation for the play’s traditional origins.

An exploration of Sophocles’ postulation that fate manipulates Oedipus’ journey in Oedipus the King