Intro to Tragedy and Oedipus Rex

Today in class, we introduced the origins and purpose of Greek tragedy as we began our study of Oedipus Rex. Students learned that tragedy began as a form of worship and communal reflection in ancient Athens, where plays helped people confront questions of suffering, justice, and the limits of human power. We read a short excerpt from Aristotle’s Poetics to understand how tragedy uses pity and fear to lead the audience toward catharsis—a kind of emotional and moral clarity. Students were introduced to key terms and the structure of the Greek theater, and we discussed why tragedy still matters today: it helps us reflect on what it means to be human, to face sorrow with honesty, and to seek truth even when it is difficult. Next class, we will step into the world of Thebes and meet Oedipus himself.