Tragedy Unit- Comments

In response to Jarrad's Journal 5 (Wild Duck)

I agree Jarrad. I would also like to point out the fact that, at least in Oedipus, the audience already has knowledge of how the story will play out. This provides a greater focus on Sophocles as a playwright. Otherwise good stuff.

In response to Travis' Journal 6 (Wild Duck)

I agree that often an author can manipulate the mundane to great effect but I also believe that every event included plays a highly significant role. You mentioned conversation as an example of the mundane but when in a tragedy has a conversation between two characters revealed absolutely nothing? You never see anybody just shooting the breeze and awkwardly talking about the weather, instead each conversation serves to foreshadow, characterize or advance the plot. Even though talking might not be action-packed, the exchanges we see in tragedies are a far cry from a conversation you might have with a friend.

In response to Hannah Taylor's Journal 6 (Wild Duck)

I would disagree that the plot of Oedipus the King was unimportant. Although his character traits are important, his actions (the premise of the plot) are really what defines him. His life, from birth when he was thrown out to his own punishment of blindness can be traced back to the driving force of the plot (the gods, fate, etc.) And ultimately, if you were to ask someone who Oedipus was they would immediately begin to reference his achievements, failures, etc, rather than his personality.