Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex) Tragedy Unit

If I had to choose only one classic piece of literature that everyone should study, it would be Sophocles' Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex). This ancient Greek tragedy is the model against which all other tragedies are compared, from Shakespeare onward. Aristotle himself lauded it as the quintessential example of the genre. Today, the play raises questions about the place of tragedy in modern life.

This in-depth unit plan is based on the various activities I created when teaching Oedipus in different courses: World Literature, AP English Literature, IB English Literature. The plan can be used in its entirety as is, or you can pick and choose.

Included in your resource:

• Extensive teacher's guide
• Anticipation activities
• Close reading questions
• Research projects + rubric
• Aristotle's Poetics activities
• Oedipus and modern poetry activity
• Writing prompts for critical analysis + rubric
• AP English Literature general prep
• Creative writing: one-act tragedy writing project + rubric
  

What teachers are saying:

***** This was a great resource - full of important and interesting information. My students responded well to the material. Thank you! (Christina L.)

***** love this for extensions and when i get stuck on where to go next (Maura O.)

***** This was very helpful-- just what I needed. Thank you! (Ms B’s Book Nook)

***** nice -- useful for other tragedies, as well (Resources from Mrs. G)

***** Excellent work. Provides students and teachers with a strong basis for Pre-reading, reading and post reading activities and understanding (Iraklis L.)

The activities, study questions, research and writing topics, creative writing and poetry study may be used as is or adapted to suit any literature course that includes tragedy.

All links were accessible as of March 2024.