Oedipus hears the Priest describe Thebes's plague, and Creon returns with Apollo's command to find Laius's killer. What part of Greek tragic structure is this?

The Theban elders sing a prayer to Apollo, Athena, and Artemis, begging for help against the plague. Which structural part of the play is this?

Oedipus's heated exchange with Teiresias comes right after the Chorus's entrance song and pushes the murder investigation forward. In Greek tragic form, what is that section?

After an actor scene, the Chorus remains and sings a reflective ode before the next dialogue begins. What is that choral passage called?

A servant comes out of the palace and tells how Jocasta hanged herself and Oedipus blinded himself inside. Which tragic convention is being used?

Blinded Oedipus speaks with Creon, asks to be exiled, and says goodbye to his daughters. Which structural term fits this part of the play?

The Corinthian messenger thinks he is freeing Oedipus from fear of Polybus, but his news helps expose Oedipus's birth. Which tragic concept names that turn?

When Oedipus understands that he is Laius's son and killer, husband to his mother, which Aristotelian concept is most direct?

At the crossroads, Oedipus answers an insult with lethal violence before he knows the victim is Laius. Which tragic concept best fits that mistake in action?

Oedipus rejects Teiresias, accuses Creon, and trusts his own judgment over prophecy. Which tragic flaw is most clearly displayed?

Oedipus begins as the solver of the Sphinx's riddle, but the investigation makes him the pollution he hunts. Which term names this change of fortune?

The scarred feet and the shepherd's testimony finally connect the exposed infant to Oedipus the king. What formal moment has arrived?

Aristotle says a tragedy should stir up strong feelings in its audience and then cleanse them away. Which term names that effect in Oedipus Rex?

In the parodos, the Chorus does not solve the crime; it cries out over plague, dead crops, and dying citizens. What role is it playing?

After Teiresias accuses Oedipus, the Chorus says it will not condemn the king without clearer proof. How does that response shape the episode?

After Jocasta argues that prophecies can fail, the Chorus sings anxiously about holy law and the danger of proud speech. What is it doing?

Before the shepherd arrives, the Chorus imagines Cithaeron may be Oedipus's birthplace and briefly celebrates. What is the dramatic function of that ode?

After Oedipus's identity is known, the Chorus reflects that no mortal life should be called happy until its end. What does this commentary add?

Oedipus publicly curses Laius's unknown murderer and orders Thebes to drive him out. Why is this a formal source of dramatic irony?

Oedipus says he will fight for Laius as if Laius were his own father. Why does the line become ironic in the play's form?

Jocasta tries to calm Oedipus by saying Laius was killed at a three-road meeting place, not by his son. Why does this increase dramatic irony?

Teiresias is physically blind, yet he tells Oedipus the truth that sighted Oedipus cannot see. What formal effect does this contrast create?

When Oedipus enters blinded after discovering Jocasta dead, what makes the scene work toward catharsis?

Oedipus begs to hold Antigone and Ismene before leaving Thebes. How does this detail intensify the tragic emotional effect?

The closing choral lesson looks back over Oedipus's greatness and misery. How does it complete the tragic effect?