57
The story of the cursed House of Thebes as taken from the following Sophoclean plays

Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus , Antigone

  • Upload
    gema

  • View
    240

  • Download
    9

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

The story of the cursed House of Thebes as taken from the following Sophoclean plays. Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus , Antigone. The First Family of Greek Tragedy was the House of Cadmus, the royal family of Thebes. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Citation preview

Page 1: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The story of the cursed House of Thebes as taken from the following Sophoclean plays

Page 2: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The First Family of Greek Tragedy was the House of Cadmus, the royal family of Thebes.

Thebes was a real city in central Greece with real history, but there was a dark side.

Thebes had a bizarre mythological history which was much more disturbing than most other cities’ mythologies.

Page 3: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Laius visited Pelops, King of Pisa. Pelops and a nymph had an illegitimate child named Chrysippus. Laius was tasked with teaching the child to drive a chariot. Unfortunately, Laius developed “feelings” for the beautiful Chrysippus. A kidnapping and rape followed. Chrysippus killed himself. Pelops laid a curse on the Theban king which would eventually come to fruition.

Page 4: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Agenor (son of Poseidon) was King of Phonecia. He had a beautiful daughter named Europa. Europa’s brother Cadmus was sent to look for her. Cadmus never found his sister, but he did follow another cow and started a city where it stopped to rest.

Page 5: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The Oracle at Delphi tells Cadmus to forget his sister and break off to establish his own city.

Page 6: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Cadmus’s site was next to a spring-inconveniently it was a sacred spring of Ares. Ares had placed a dragon there to guard the spring. Cadmus killed the dragon then sacrificed his cow to Athena. Athena said he should plant the dragon’s teeth to see what would happen.

Page 7: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

When Cadmus planted the seeds, the teeth immediately sprouted into armed men, called Spartoi or “sown men” after the way they were created.

They started fighting. Guess how Cadmus stopped them.

When the dust settled there were five warriors left.

Page 8: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

On the plus side, Cadmus had a population for his city.

On the minus side, he had to serve Ares for eight years.

After his time was up Athena arranged for him to be King of Thebes (the new city) and Zeus found a wife for him. Harmonia-daughter of Ares and Aphrodite.

Page 9: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The children of Cadmus and Harmonia were named Semele, Agave, Polydorus, Ino, and Illyrius.

Semele-Dionysus’ mother who saw Zeus in his godly form and died

Ino-jumped into the sea with her dead son’s body in her arms; became a sea goddess; eventually saved Odysseus. Her husband was struck with madness and killed her son.

Page 10: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Polydorus’ s son became king of Thebes, and after him his son Laius. Laius marries his third cousin, Jocasta. Jocasta has a brother named Creon.

Laius and Jocasta received an oracle: You will have a son, and he will kill you.

Page 11: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

To stop the prophesy from coming true, they hobbled the baby and had him left on a mountainside.

A shepherd found the baby, picked him up, passed him to another shepherd, who eventually took him to the King and Queen of Corinth who had recently lost their baby.

Page 12: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

They named him Oedipus because of his swollen feet. They did not tell him he was adopted.

Page 13: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

When he came of age, Oedipus journeyed to the Oracle at Delphi where he learned he was fated to kill his father and marry his own mother.

He decided to leave Corinth so this would never, ever happen!

Page 14: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Three roads converged near Delphi. As he reached the intersection he met a wagon carrying some important person. One of the attendants hit Oedipus with a club to make him stand off the road as the wagon passed.

In a rage, Oedipus killed all the men but one.

These things happened back then.

Page 15: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

In addition to rude travelers, the road also had a monster. A sphinx,( woman’s head, lion’s body, snake for tail, wings) had taken up residence on the road.

This sphinx was asking riddles and killing anyone who answered incorrectly.

The Theban king had been to the Oracle to find out the answer and banish the sphinx. Too bad he never made it home.

Page 16: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone
Page 17: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two at midday, and three legs in the evening?

Oedipus answered correctly and the sphinx threw herself off a cliff and died.

The people of Thebes were so happy about the deceased sphinx they made Oedipus their king.

Page 18: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The new king was expected to marry the widow of the old king, so he did. They had four children.

EteoclesPolynicesAntigone Ismene

Page 19: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Everyone was happy, until the plague struck.

Oedipus sent Creon to Delphi to find out how to end the Gods’ punishment.

Creon reports to Oedipus that Apollo says the plague wouldn’t end until the people of Thebes found the murderer of King Laius and bring him to justice.

Page 20: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Oedipus felt relieved that all he had to do to end the drought was find Laius’s killer.

His relief came too soon!

Page 21: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Oedipus sent for Tiresias the blind prophet to help solve the mystery of the murder.

When Oedipus asks the question, “Who did it?” Tiresias refuses to answer.

Page 22: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Tireseas was not born a blind prophet. One day he was walking along a path in the mountains and saw two snakes copulating. He killed the snakes (who needs more snakes, right?) The snakes disappeared, and Tiresias was transformed into a woman. He remained a woman for seven years. In the eighth year he was walking along the same path, saw two more snakes, and whacked them with his stick. Now he was transformed back into a man.

Page 23: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Years later Hera and Zeus were having a PG-13 argument regarding pleasure. They decided to consult Tiresias, since he had been both male and female. When faced with the gods Tiresias knew there was no way he could win. He declared Zeus was correct and Hera blinded him in her rage. Zeus felt slightly guilty, so he gave Tiresias the gift of prophetic sight and allowed him to live for seven lifetimes.

Page 24: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Oedipus accuses Tiresias of being complicit in the murder and cover-up.

Tiresias finally told him, “You are the murderer you seek.”

Page 25: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Jocasta said she did not believe in prophets because of the inaccurate prophesy she had received concerning the death of Laius at the hands of his own son.

What message did Delphi give to Jocasta and her family?

Page 26: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Jocasta continues the story she believes exonerates Oedipus.

My husband and I left the child to die.

Laius was killed by robbers at the intersection of three roads to Delphi.

Page 27: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

While this denial of fact is occurring, Apollo comes to announce the death of Polybus to the court of Thebes.

Who was Polybus????Why would Jocasta say this death

proved her point?

Page 28: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Apollo asks Oedipus whether fear of killing his father, Polybus, had driven him from Corinth.

What revelation is this leading us to?

Page 29: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Both Jocasta and Oedipus suffer once they learn the truth.

In what way does each of the characters punish herself or himself?

Page 30: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone
Page 31: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Antigone and Ismene, the daughters of Oedipus, discuss the disaster which has befallen them. Their father is banished, and their brothers have killed each other over control of Thebes.

Creon is finally in charge.

Page 32: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

“My own flesh and blood—dear sister, dear Ismene, how many griefs our father Oedipus handed down! Do you know one, I ask you, one grief that Zeus will not perfect for the two of us while we still live and breathe? There’s nothing, no pain—our lives are pain—no private shame, no public disgrace, nothing I haven’t seen in your grief and mine. (Antigone, 1-8)

Page 33: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Antigone left with her father. She didn’t think it was wise to allow her blind father to wander around the countryside.

Ismene remained in Thebes to protect her father’s interests.

Page 34: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Creon is now Regent.

Each son wanted to become the new king of Thebes. Technically the older son should get the job, but both wanted power.

Eteocles became king and exiled Polyneices.

Page 35: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

“Anarchy—show me a greater crime in all the earth! She, she destroys cities, rips up houses, breaks the ranks of the spearmen into headlong rout. But the ones who last it out, the great mass of them owe their lives to discipline. Therefore we must defend the men who live by law, never let some woman triumph over us. Better to fall from power, if fall we must, at the hands of a man—never be rated inferior to a woman, never.”

(Antigone, 751-761)

Page 36: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Polyneices went to Argos to try to raise an army.

Oedipus and Antigone found refuge in Colonus which was near Athens. Colonus was the home of the Furies (aka the benignant goddesses).

Page 37: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Oedipus dies with Antigone and Ismene by his side.

Apollo promised that Oedipus would bring a mysterious blessing from the gods to the place where his grave lay.

Theseus welcomed Oedipus to Athens. He died a happy man, and with his death Athens was blessed.

Page 38: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The sisters return to Thebes and find Eteocles fighting to save Thebes from attack, and Polyneices fighting to regain power of Thebes.

The sisters refused to choose sides with either brother.

Page 39: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Polyneices has recruited an army of six champions to lead his attack against Thebes.

(SEVEN gates-SEVEN champions)Adrastus, King of Argos and his

brother- in –law, Amphiaraus)One of the seven was Amphiaraus, a

prophet, who knew that of the seven only Adrastus would survive.

Page 40: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Amphiaraus joined unwillingly. His wife Eriphyle was trusted to be the “tie breaker” when he and her brother had disputes. Polyneices bribed her with a beautiful necklace. The necklace was gift Harmonia received on her wedding day. (the cursed necklace)

Page 41: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

HARMONIA was the goddess of harmony and concord. As a daughter of Aphrodite, she presided over marital harmony, soothing strife and discord; as a daughter of Ares, she represented harmonious action in war. Late Greek and Roman writers sometimes portrayed her as harmony in the more abstract sense : a deity presiding over the cosmic harmony.

Page 42: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Harmonia was born of Aphrodite's adulterous affair with the god Ares. She was awarded to Kadmos, the hero founder of Thebes, in a wedding attended by all the gods. Hephaistos, however, was still furious over his wife's betrayal, and presented Harmonia with a cursed necklace, which doomed her descendants to endless tragedy.

http://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Harmonia.html

Page 43: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Creon was told the only way Thebes could be saved was if Menoeceus-his son-was killed.

Creon tried to save his son by sending him away, but Menoeceus did not want to be a coward so he sneaked into the battle.

He died almost instantly.

Page 44: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Neither side was able to gain an advantage over the other.

They chose a new way to settle the war.

Page 45: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The brothers vying for the throne fought a hand-to-hand battle.

Both died.

Page 46: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

As they died, Polyneices requested of his brother , “My brother, my enemy, but always loved. Bury me in my homeland-to have so much at least of my city.”

Page 47: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Creon is now king. He proclaims that Eteocles should receive full burial rites since he fought FOR Thebes.

He also proclaims Polyneices should be left for the birds and beasts to devour. Furthermore, no one who fought against Thebes should be buried.

Page 48: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

This meant the souls of the dead could not cross the River Styx and were left to wander the Earth for eternity.

Antigone could not accept this fate for her brother.

Page 49: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Antigone and Ismene had no rights regarding the burial of their brothers.

Antigone said she would go bury the brother she loved.

Page 50: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

A sentry reports to Creon that someone had given Polyneices burial rites.

Creon believes some enemy of the city has bribed the sentries to perform this deed.

He vows to execute the sentry if no other culprit is found.

The body is disinterred.

Page 51: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

The sentry catches Antigone as she tries to bury her brother a second time.

Antigone confesses, and accuses Creon of defying the will of the gods.

Creon condemns Antigone and Ismene to death.

Page 52: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Creon’s son, Haemon, enters the room. Creon asks his opinion. Haemon eventually decides his father is being a bit harsh, especially since Antigone is Haemon’s fiancee.

Page 53: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Creon curses Haemon and threatens to kill Antigone in front of him.

Haemon leaves. Creon decides to pardon Ismene and wall Antigone up in a tomb.

Page 54: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Tiresias arrives with advice which Creon promises to accept. Tiresias advises Creon allow Polyneices to be buried.

Creon refuses.

Tiresias predicts (more) curses will rain down from the gods.

Page 55: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

Creon has a change of heart. He is afraid of the prophesy.

He decides to allow Antigone to go free, but first he buries Polyneices.

The delay was a mistake.

Page 56: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

They arrive at the tomb to hear Haemon wailing. Antigone is hanging from a noose.

Haemon tries to stab his father, but turns the sword on himself instead.

Eurydice, Creon’s wife, stabs herself when she hears the news. She also called down the curses of Olympus.

Page 57: Oedipus  the King, Oedipus at  Colonus ,  Antigone

FATAL FLAW-Part of Speech: noun Definition: major character weakness

Synonyms: Achilles' heel, failing flaw, hamartia, tragic flaw, weak point

http://thesaurus.com