Structure of Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannos

by Robin Mitchell-Boyask, Dept. of Classics, Temple University

Prologue	Episode 1	Episode 2	Episode 3	Episode 4	Episode 5
The effect of the plague on Thebes a)Oedipus and priest b) Oedipus and Creon	the response of Oedipus: "let me answer...." a) the curse of Oedipus b) Oedipus and Tiresias: "the murderer is here"	the beginnings of the truth (a) Oedipus & Creon; conspiracy charge (b) Oedipus & Jocasta; doubts about oracles	the truth revealed (a) prayer of Jocasta (b) Oedipus, Jocasta, the messenger; Oed. not son of Polybus	the truth confirmed (Oed., messenger, herdsman)	death of Jocasta & the blinding of Oedipus (a) messenger speech (b) Oedipus & chorus (c) Oedipus & Creon; Oed's requests denied
Oedipus as savior			Oedipus believes he is "son of Chance"		Oedipus as polluted criminal
Parodos: entry of the chorus of Thebans. Prayers to various gods to aid Thebes	Stasimon 1: the oracle of Apollo. Description of murderer as animal. Man's ignorance.	Stasimon 2: tyrant's pride. Effect of religious scepticism and impiety. "why should I honour the gods?"	Stasimon 3: speculation about the parentage of Oedipus. Is he the son of a god?	Stasimon 4: "the generations of men" Oedipus as man of misery	Exodos: count no man happy before he is dead

Parts played by first actor:
Parts played by second actor:
Parts played by third actor:

Important entrances and exits:
Important gestures:
Parallel scenes: