1. To what extent does this play adhere to Aristotle's description of a tragedy? Do we see here a man whose prosperity turns to misfortune through hamartia, 'a mistake or error'? Is there a recognition or reversal? What, precisely, constitutes the tragic quality of the play? Is it a tragedy?
2. Why do both Thebes and the exile Polynices want Oedipus? What advantage can a blind old man bring them?
3. At the beginning of the play Oedipus and Antigone arrive at the sacred grove of the Eumenides. This name, which means something like 'the well-disposed ones' or 'the kindly-minded ones,' is a euphemism for the Furies (Greek Erinyes) who pursue and torment those who have violated the bonds of kinship. Why is this an appropriate resting place for Oedipus? Is his death here a punishment or a blessing?
4. One of the basic claims of the play is that the grave of Oedipus will protect any polis whose territory he's buried in--in this case, Athens. Yet the play never really explains how this protection is provided. What possible explanations can you think of?