Would you like to call Oedipus Rex by Sophocles a tragedy? You should define a tragedy, list its
aspects, and discuss the play in the light of that.
Choose any one of the following prompts/ questions and answer that in an essay of about 2 to
3 pages (600 to 900 words).
1. Would you like to call Oedipus Rex by Sophocles a tragedy? You should define a tragedy, list its
aspects, and discuss the play in the light of that. For the definition and characteristics of a tragedy, you
should refer to Aristotle’s Poetics even if you want to express your disagreement with some of his
ideas. You may also bring in other theories, or better even, add your own ideas too.
2. What is a sonnet and what are its general traits? Choose a Shakespearean sonnet you have read,
discuss its formal aspects, and also offer a critical interpretation of it. You may address the second
part of the question in two further sections (or you may merge them as suitable). In one section,
discuss the sonnet’s rhyme scheme, rhythm, sounds etc. Next, comment on the poem’s style/ language
and theme(s). You may address the following issues for this section: Does this Shakespeare sonnet
conform to, or break away from, the typical characteristics and conventions of sonnets from the
Elizabethan period? What possible theme (s) does the poem develop? Are there any other aspects/
issues in the poem that you would like to relate to your discussion?
3. Would you call Lysistrata from Aristophanes’ Lysistrata a champion of women and people? In
other words, do you think she advances the cause of a country and women by standing against forces
that discriminate against women and disrupt the peace of a nation? In your answer, evaluate her
actions and role in the light of the question asked.
4. Choose any two poems you have recently read and compare and/or contrast them based on how
they portray modern times, or more specifically, post WWI period.
Answer preview Would you like to call Oedipus Rex by Sophocles a tragedy? You should define a tragedy, list its
aspects, and discuss the play in the light of that.
APA
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