A Greek Tragedy

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is designed to explore the concept of hubris within the context of the Greek tragedy “Oedipus Rex.” Hubris, in Greek tragedy, signifies excessive pride or self-confidence that typically leads to the downfall of the protagonist. The worksheet prompts students to delve into how hubris is exemplified by the characters in the play, especially the titular character, Oedipus.

In the first paragraph, students might describe the character of Oedipus and the nature of his pride. They can examine how his determination to escape the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother is rooted in hubris, as he believes he can outmaneuver the will of the gods. The second paragraph would discuss the consequences of Oedipus’s hubris. It leads not only to his personal ruin but also affects the city of Thebes, bringing plague and suffering. Students are encouraged to draw connections between Oedipus’s arrogance in thinking he can evade fate and the tragic outcome that inevitably fulfills the prophecy he tried to escape. The worksheet aims to help students understand the pivotal role hubris plays in Greek literature and its timeless relevance as a theme in storytelling.