ENG 362 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Ancient Greek, Sophocles
Document Summary
Oedipus the king and everyman both comments on topics such as morality, power, and fate. Sophocles oedipus the king takes the typical ancient greek theater approach to draw the audience in through sympathy. Oedipus is a character of high stature so his eventual downfall is considerably more tragic. In everyman, the audience is able to relate a little more closely due to the realistic realization that we all have to face our life choices and death. In oedipus the king, oedipus is portrayed as a powerful and esteemed king. The intention that this character is made to be admired and not identified with is clear in the first few lines. As the story plays out, oedipus faces many challenges and questions. From an audience perspective, you feel limited because although free actions are a factor the events that the characters face is ultimately up to fate. Everyman takes more of an approach of relatability.
