Fate, Family, and Oedipus Rex: Crash Course Literature 202

Summary

In this Crash Course Literature episode, John Green explores the tragic tale of Oedipus, a king who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, leading to a series of calamities. Green delves into the themes of fate, free will, and the nature of tragedy, contrasting Aristotle's classical views with modern interpretations. The episode also touches on the historical context of Greek theater and its societal impact, offering a multifaceted look at the enduring relevance of 'Oedipus the King'.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the tragedy of Oedipus, a character from Greek mythology, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother, fulfilling a prophecy.
• 🎭 The script humorously references modern pop culture, comparing Oedipus' family to the Kardashians and using a light-hearted tone to discuss serious themes.
• 👑 Oedipus is portrayed as a king of Thebes who solves the riddle of the Sphinx and saves the city, but later faces a plague that leads him to discover his own dark past.
• 🔍 Oedipus' investigation into the murder of King Laius reveals that he himself is the murderer, and that he has unknowingly married his mother, Jocasta.
• 💔 The tragic consequences of Oedipus' actions include Jocasta's suicide and Oedipus' self-inflicted blindness, followed by his exile.
• 🎭 Theater in ancient Greece was a significant civic duty for male citizens, often involving ritual sacrifices and competitions among playwrights.
• 🎭 The script describes the structure of Greek plays, which included a cycle of three tragedies and a satyr play, highlighting the cultural importance of theater.
• 🎭 The role of the chorus in Greek theater is discussed, noting that they often represented the voice of the audience and asked questions that the audience might have.
• 📚 The script mentions that Sophocles, the playwright of Oedipus the King, wrote 123 plays, but only seven have survived to the present day.
• 📚 Aristotle's literary criticism is referenced, noting his definition of tragedy and the concept of a tragic hero, which Oedipus fits according to Aristotle's criteria.
• 🤔 The script explores the themes of fate versus free will, questioning how much control individuals have over their lives and the impact of their choices.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video script and what is the main topic discussed?

The speaker is John Green, and the main topic discussed is the Greek tragedy 'Oedipus the King' by Sophocles, focusing on the tragic story of Oedipus and the themes of fate, free will, and the nature of tragedy.

What is the reference to the Kardashians in the script and what does it signify?

The reference to the Kardashians is a humorous anachronism, indicating that to the speaker's past self, the only known Kardashian was OJ Simpson's defense attorney. It serves to illustrate the point that the concept of fame and infamy can be fleeting and culturally specific.

What is the riddle of the Sphinx that Oedipus solved to become the King of Thebes?

The riddle of the Sphinx was a challenge that led to Oedipus becoming the King of Thebes. The riddle itself is not detailed in the script, but it is known from the myth that it asked, 'Which creature has one voice and yet becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed?' The answer was 'Man,' who crawls on all fours as a baby (four-footed), walks on two feet as an adult (two-footed), and uses a cane in old age (three-footed).

What is the 'Accidentally Kill Your Father, Accidentally Marry Your Mother' plot mentioned in the script?

This phrase refers to the tragic circumstances of Oedipus's life where, unaware of his true parentage, he kills his father Laius and marries his mother Jocasta, thus fulfilling a prophecy that was the basis of the tragedy in 'Oedipus the King'.

What is the significance of the plague in Thebes in the story of Oedipus?

The plague in Thebes is a divine punishment that devastates the city, believed to be a result of the murder of the old king Laius going unpunished. It serves as the catalyst for Oedipus's investigation into the murder, which ultimately leads to the revelation of his own identity and tragic fate.

What is the role of the chorus in Greek theater as described in the script?

The chorus in Greek theater, as described in the script, serves as stand-ins for the audience, asserting conventional wisdom and asking questions that a typical audience member might. They were drawn from the Athenian citizenry and were an integral part of the theatrical performance.

Who was the first person to offer literary criticism of Greek drama and what did he contribute to the understanding of drama?

Aristotle was the first person to offer literary criticism of Greek drama. He contributed significantly to the understanding of drama by defining tragedy and comedy, and by introducing concepts such as recognition, reversal, and hamartia (tragic flaw).

What does Aristotle define as a hamartia and how is it related to the character of Oedipus?

Aristotle defines hamartia as a mistake made by a character that leads to their downfall. In the case of Oedipus, his hamartia could be seen as his relentless pursuit of the truth about the plague's cause, despite the personal consequences, which ultimately reveals his own tragic past.

What is the 'Oedipus Complex' as mentioned by Sigmund Freud and how does it differ from the actual tragedy of Oedipus?

The 'Oedipus Complex' as described by Freud is a psychoanalytic concept where a child's first sexual impulses and feelings of hatred are directed towards the parent of the same sex. This differs from the actual tragedy of Oedipus, who tried to avoid the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother, rather than harboring secret desires for such actions.

What is the philosophical question that the play 'Oedipus the King' raises about knowledge and its consequences?

The play raises the philosophical question of whether knowing the truth is always beneficial. It explores the idea that wisdom can be a curse if it brings no profit to the one who possesses it, as in the case of Oedipus, whose pursuit of truth leads to his personal ruin.

What are the two stories within the play 'Oedipus the King' as interpreted by Sophocles?

The two stories within 'Oedipus the King' are the story of what has already happened (Oedipus's past actions of killing his father and marrying his mother) and the story of what is happening now (Oedipus's quest to find the source of the plague and the consequences of his actions). Sophocles focuses on the latter, examining the choices Oedipus makes and their impact on the present.