Stuber+11.11.09

I. We began class by taking a Twitter poll: Who is the antagonist in Oedipus? - Responses included Jocasta, Oedipus (being both the protagonist and the antagonist), and Creon. - Did not further discuss the question because we were introduced to The Oedipus Game!!! (wait, what?) II. What are the benefits of creating an interactive game? - Makes learning fun. - Improvements: Shorter. Make answers more distinct from each other. Pictures or animation. III. On 11/23, class will be canceled. (We are ahead, mind you.) - Wiki-post **will be** assigned for that day. - 11/25 – Still not sure what we will do on this day. - Final project topic will be assigned soon. - We have input involving syllabi changes. Our professors should always make us aware of any changes on the syllabus. IV. Choral Songs
 * 1) ll. 168+
 * 2) ll. 526+
 * 3) ll. 955
 * 4) ll.1195


 * 1) **Literal interpretation**: Calling on the gods (Zeus, Apollo, Athena, Artemis) [praising them]. Drive back the god of death / please gods.


 * What does it show about the role of community at the moment**: Unified in their views of the gods. Come together as a group to praise the gods.


 * 1) **Literal interpretation**: Searching for identity of murderers. People understand that gods know, but believe man cannot know the truth. A lot of foreshadowing and verbal irony is evident. Example: Son of Laius and son of Polybus à “blood feud” (Is it an actual bloody battle or a battle of family blood? … pun!)


 * What does it show about the role of the community at the moment**: Overall, community defends Oedipus. Although they respect the gods, they defend Oedipus and see him as equally important. Should they believe the prophecy or believe in their king, a symbol of man? “See”, “eyes”, “blind” (vision) – used more frequently than any other symbols.


 * 1) **Literal interpretation**: Serves as an interlude beginning after Oedipus sends for the shepherd. Talk about destiny and pride. Facts are slowly revealing themselves and point to Oedipus as the murderer.


 * What does it show about the role of the community at the moment**: Community is trying to turn a blind eye to gods and prophecy because they love Oedipus, their king. There is evidence of an unswerving faith in their leader. “Pride breads the tyrant”. Overall, the community is torn between devotion to the gods and devotion to their king. They want proof before they come to any conclusions involving the insanity within the kingdom.


 * 1) **Literal interpretation**: Chorus trying to figure out who could be Oedipus’ father. Does not have to be Laius. Such a notion gives Oedipus a more positive outlook. Have more faith in a positive outlook on the situation, says the chorus.


 * What does it show about the role of community at the moment**: Community places gods above all others and truly respects and revels in their power. Community worship is based around a fear of the gods, knowledge of their power, and an attempt to reap the benefits of this power. It is interesting, therefore, that the community is denying the gods’ will when their king is in trouble. The community may have more of a “belief” in their leaders than in the gods after all.