Greek Tragedy XIII: Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex, Or You May Have Heard About His Odd Complex

You have probably heard about Oedipus before. And I do love this play. And I love how it is infiltrated popular culture. The hilarious Frasier episode parodying it aired when I was in college, and I remember Maria (AKA Triumvir Callirhoe) and I watching it in stitches. I can’t find a free place for you to watch it online, but you can read the transcript here.

But when I think about Oedipus Rex, my mind immediately goes to one of two places. There is, of course, the brilliant Tom Lehrer song referenced in the title of this episode.

But possibly less well known is the P.D.Q. Bach oratorio Oedipus Tex about the brother of Oedipus Rex. Or so he tells us in the introductory song. But I highly recommend listening to the entire oratorio.

All right, that’s the fun. Now onto the serious, or as serious as we ever get.

Discussion Prompts

1. Greek heroes are supposed to have a tragic flaw. What do you think Oedipus’s tragic flaw is? Why?
2. Why do you think the Sphinx is female?  What does this say about feminine knowledge and/or wisdom?
3. We tend to use the word irony incorrectly, but this play is full of irony.  What are some examples?
4. If you were to direct this play today, when would you set it?  Why?
5. Why do you think this play/story remains so well known? Just because of Freud? Or is there something else about the story that speaks to us, and if so, what is that something?