Classical Studies 2200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Laius, Greek Hero Cult, Miasma Theory

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2200
• Professor: Aara Suksi

Document Summary

Falls from being the most honored to becoming the source of the miasma that causes sickness of land and people so he is exiled from thebes restoration of health to the city. Among his 7 surviving plays are three concerning the house of laius: antigone (ca 441 bc), oedipus the king (ca 428 bc) and oedipus at. Aristotle said that oedipus the king is the perfect tragedy because the moment where the hero recognizes the truth and experience his downfall is simultaneous. Anagnorisis: recognition of the truth, moment where hero has been mistaken and he realizes. Peripeteai: reversal, overturning, essential element of greek tragedy, important character falls from greatness and his fall happens at the same moment where he recognizes the truth. Two fundamental and universal taboos: parricide (an obliteration of origin) and incest with mother (a crime against time and a confusion of cause and effect)