Oedipus Rex and Tragic Heroism

The transcript discusses Aristotle's view of Oedipus Rex as the greatest tragedy, highlighting the criteria for a tragic hero as outlined in Poetics. It examines whether Oedipus Rex fulfills these criteria, focusing on his fall from prosperity, noble nature, and human frailty. Critics are divided on whether Oedipus is responsible for his downfall due to hubris or if fate and the gods' will play a larger role. The debate remains unresolved, with some viewing Oedipus as a perfect tragic hero and others as a victim of fate.

What does Aristotle consider Oedipus Rex in his book Poetics?

• A comedy

• The greatest tragedy

• A historical play

• A romantic drama

According to Aristotle, what leads to Oedipus' downfall?

• His hubris

• His intelligence

• His kindness

• His wealth

What do critics argue about the role of fate in Oedipus Rex?

• It is irrelevant

• It is the main cause of Oedipus' downfall

• It is completely ignored

• It is a minor theme

What is one of the requirements of a tragic hero according to Aristotle?

• Being a villain

• Having no flaws

• Being a commoner

• Falling from prosperity to adversity

How does Oedipus Rex fulfill the first requirement of a tragic hero?

• He remains prosperous throughout

• He starts as a king and ends in misery

• He never experiences adversity

• He is a common man

What is Oedipus' character flaw according to the analysis?

• He is a villain

• He is good but not perfect

• He is too perfect

• He is too kind

What class does Oedipus belong to?

• Commoners

• Warriors

• Noble class

• Merchants

What do some critics believe about Oedipus' responsibility for his downfall?

• He is responsible for others' downfall

• He is not responsible at all

• He is entirely responsible

• He is partially responsible

What is the second group of critics' view on Oedipus Rex?

• He is a mere puppet

• He is a villain

• He is a perfect tragic hero

• He is not a tragic hero

What remains unresolved according to the conclusion?

• The equation of free will and fate

• The definition of a tragic hero

• The historical accuracy of the play

• The role of hubris