Terms and Identification
Please identify each of the terms below. Explain the source of the term, the author of the source (when applicable) and write a couple of brief sentences concerning the relevance of the term.
Fortinbras
Hamartia
Ophelia
Katharsis
Clown/Gravedigger
Mt. Cithaeron
The Oracle at Delphi
King Laius
The Renaissance Man
Teresias
Short Answer
Respond to the following prompts regarding Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in the form of a well-developed short essay for each response. Answers will be graded for their clarity and detail.
1. In ancient Greek tragedy, misfortune is often the result of hubris, the excessive pride that leads a hero to overstep the bounds of his destiny and thus to offend the gods. More recent writing about tragedy develops the concept of hamartia. What propels King Oedipus and Prince Hamlet? Write a short essay comparing and contrasting the two protagonists and the downfalls that seem to originate from the unfortunate defects in their personalities.
2. Write a short essay detailing how England’s historical circumstances are reflected in Hamlet.
Bonus (+ 10 points)
Explain the adventure of Oedipus the King according to the Epic Hero Cycle (Call to Adventure, Supernatural Aid, Crossing the Threshold, Trials and Temptations, Abyss [death and rebirth], Transformation, Ultimate Boon, Return)