We will have a Socratic Seminar next week. We are going to have some practice discussion here. Feel free to respond to the below questions. You may also pose questions (not simple plot based questions) or thoughtful ponderings here as well.

1) Many of us adhere to the belief that if we work hard and put forth a good effort we will be rewarded. How does the outcome of Oedipus Rex contradict or support that? You may want to rethink the word “reward” for this one.  2) How is Oedipus like an archetypal hero? To what extent is like or unlike a modern day hero? What fine distinctions can you draw between our modern day heroes (Superman, Spiderman, Hancock) and Oedipus Rex? 3) Remember when I told you the archetypal hero was “dumb”–clueless to the collective unconscious—in what ways is Oedipus totally unaware of his self and his true identity? 4) Normally, when I teach this play we go through the ways that Oedipus is like a detective and how the clues he seeks are the clues to his life,  trace how this happens in the play.  Why do you think it takes Oedipus so long to put these clues together–he’s no dumbie, so why the drawn out process?

Please respond by Friday, 1/22/10 at 3:30 p.m.  Remember, grammar, punctuation, and spelling always count. Be clear, concise and insightful. Use examples from the play to PROVE your points.