Oedipus Rex: Reading Activities
Activity Task Instructions
Before starting the play, read the provided
Respond to statements statements on fate, leadership, and truth. Mark
1. Pre-Reading
about key themes and whether you agree or disagree with each one.
Anticipation Guide
ideas. After finishing the play, revisit your answers to
see if your perspective has changed.
After reading Act 1, write a brief character
Analyze Oedipus' sketch of Oedipus. Consider his leadership style,
2. First Impressions of
character after reading attitude toward the plague, and how others react
Oedipus (After Act 1)
Act 1. to him. Support your analysis with examples
from the text.
After reading each scene, summarize the key
3. Scene Summarize each scene
events in 3-4 sentences. Then, based on the
Summarization and and make predictions
information and themes so far, predict what you
Prediction about the plot.
think will happen next in the play.
As you read the play, keep a record of important
Track the
actions, thoughts, and decisions made by
4. Character Tracking development of
Oedipus, Jocasta, and Tiresias. Focus on how
Throughout the Play Oedipus, Jocasta, and
their words and behaviors change throughout the
Tiresias.
play.
While reading, identify passages that reflect
5. Textual Evidence Identify and explain major themes such as fate vs. free will, sight vs.
for Theme passages that highlight blindness, or knowledge vs. ignorance. Write
Identification key themes. down each passage and explain how it
contributes to the theme.
As you come across difficult or important words
6. Vocabulary and Keep a vocabulary log
(e.g., "oracle," "hubris," "plague"), define them
Language of Oedipus of significant terms
and explain their significance to the events or
Rex and phrases.
themes in the play.
After reading the scene where Oedipus learns his
Reflect on Oedipus'
7. Ethical Dilemma true identity, write a reflection discussing
ethical choices after
Discussion (Post- whether he could have avoided his fate. Consider
discovering his true
Revelation Scene) whether it is always better to pursue the truth,
identity.
even if it leads to tragedy.
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Instructions for Submission:
Complete each activity as you progress through the play.
Provide detailed responses, supported by evidence from the text.
You will submit these activities in stages as we cover different sections of the play.
"Oedipus is responsible for his own downfall."
This statement invites discussion about fate vs. free will, encouraging students to
consider how much agency Oedipus has in shaping his own fate and whether he could
have avoided his tragic destiny.
"The pursuit of truth is always worth the cost."
This challenges students to weigh the benefits and consequences of Oedipus' relentless
search for the truth, questioning whether truth is always worth the resulting suffering.
"Fate is more powerful than free will in Oedipus Rex."
This statement requires students to assess the balance between fate and free will in the
play, analyzing how much control Oedipus or other characters have over their lives.
"Tiresias, the blind prophet, is the wisest character in the play."
Students can debate whether physical blindness equates to insight, comparing Tiresias'
wisdom to Oedipus' metaphorical blindness throughout most of the play.
"Oedipus is a hero despite his tragic flaws."
This statement opens up a discussion about Oedipus' heroism, asking students to evaluate
whether his downfall negates his positive qualities as a leader or whether his tragic flaws
humanize him.
"The gods are ultimately to blame for Oedipus' suffering."
This explores the role of the divine in the play, prompting students to consider how much
responsibility the gods bear for human suffering, and how much can be attributed to
human choices.
"Jocasta’s actions contribute just as much to the tragedy as Oedipus' actions."
Students can evaluate Jocasta’s role in the unfolding tragedy and discuss whether her
decisions are equally important in bringing about the play's catastrophic ending.
"Oedipus is more of a victim than a villain."
This statement invites students to explore Oedipus' character from different perspectives
and discuss whether his actions should be viewed as malicious or simply the result of
forces beyond his control.
"The plague in Thebes is a direct reflection of Oedipus' personal crisis."
Encourages analysis of the symbolic connection between the state of Thebes and
Oedipus’ inner turmoil, prompting students to think about the relationship between
leadership and morality in the play.
"Oedipus Rex shows that ignorance can sometimes be a blessing."
This invites students to reflect on the theme of knowledge vs. ignorance, considering
whether Oedipus would have been better off not pursuing the truth about his origins.
Oedipus Rex:
1. LitCharts Oedipus Rex Study Guide:
This guide provides detailed summaries, theme explanations, character analysis, and
symbolism that align well with critical thinking tasks such as theme identification,
character tracking, and ethical dilemma discussions.
Link: LitCharts Oedipus Rex Guide(
LitCharts
2. Storyboard That – Themes, Symbols, and Motifs:
Use this resource to guide students in identifying recurring themes and motifs. It includes
visual activities where students create storyboards, helping them understand key themes
like fate vs. free will, and sight vs. blindness.
Link: Storyboard That – Oedipus Rex Themes(
Storyboard That
)
3. Bright Hub Education – Oedipus Rex Summary and Themes:
This site provides a quick summary of the play along with a breakdown of major
themes, which can be useful for activities related to summarization and thematic analysis.
Link: Bright Hub Education – Oedipus Rex(
BrightHub Education
4. Fun and Engaging Activities for Oedipus Rex:
This resource offers interactive activities like creating a family tree and using social
media prompts (like tweets) to summarize key events and explore character
development. It’s especially helpful for engaging students in creative ways while
deepening their understanding of the text.
Link: Mindroar Teaching Resources – Oedipus Rex(
Mindroar Teaching Resources
