Introduce students to one of the most influential tragedies in Greek literature with this 33-slide presentation on Sophocles’ Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex).

The presentation provides an introduction to Greek tragedy, explores Sophocles’ life and work, and guides students through the story of Oedipus, from the prophecy surrounding his birth to the tragic revelation of his identity.

It also introduces key ideas and concepts that help students understand and interpret the play, including fate, free will, wisdom, human responsibility and the Oedipus Complex.

What’s Included?

An introduction to Greek tragedy and Aristotle’s elements of tragedy

A brief introduction to Sophocles

Background information on Oedipus the King

The main characters of the play

A chronological overview of the plot, from the prophecy to the tragic ending

Key themes and concepts, including hamartia, hubris, peripeteia and catharsis

An introduction to Freud’s Oedipus Complex and psychoanalysis

Critical analysis of the play’s ironies, wisdom, fate and free will

Discussion and critical-thinking questions

A Works Cited slide

Learning Focus

Students will explore the conventions of Greek tragedy, develop their understanding of the play’s central themes and consider questions of fate, knowledge, power and human responsibility.