Oedipus by Sophocles

Written by: Sherrard Pearce

Catawba County Schools in Hickory, North Carolina

Unit Guide Level "C" - 65 points (basic understanding)

1. Read play with class and answer three worksheets. 15 pts.

2. Act out one scene of the play with finger puppets you have created. 10 pts.

3. Draw a scene from the play and label the action. 10 pts.

4. Write a two-paragraph summary about the play. This summary MUST be in a language other than English. 10 pts.

5. Make a Greek mask of one of the characters from the play.10 pts.

6. Create a diorama illustrating the story's major problem(s) and solution(s). 15 pts.

7. Act out a favorite scene of the play. 10 pts.

8. Create a personal coat of arms for any character from the play.

9. Create a newspaper for incidents in the play Oedipus. Create pictures, a cover story, obituaries, and other features of a newspaper. 15 pts.

10. Choose 10 new or interesting words from the play and make flashcards with their definitions. Be able to tell their meanings.10 pts.

11. Answer all questions in the book for each act of Oedipus.15 pts.

Level "B" Choose one

1. Write a paper discussing the motives and conflicts of each of the characters, as well as the consequences of their actions.

2. Rewrite the story in a modern setting.

3. Make a diary that Oedipus would have written to express his thoughts throughout the play. Include a MINIMUM of six 3/4 page entries.

4. Rewrite the scene where Jocasta realizes Oedipus' identity. Change the outcome. How does this affect Oedipus, Jocasta, their daughters, the kingdom?

Level "A" - Choose one

1. Research sperm/egg banks. How do they screen recipients of the genetic material? Is there any way to know you are not getting the genetic material of a relative? Write an essay discussing your findings and the implications of what you find.

2. Research the brain as it experiences "anger." What chemicals are released to trigger anger? What chemicals are released to calm a person down? What causes some people to experience uncontrollable anger or rage? Write an essay discussing your findings and include some steps that a normal person can use to calm himself down.

3. Research the role of the Greek gods in the lives of the Greeks. Is Oedipus a puppet of the gods or master of his own fate? Was he responsible for his downfall? Could he have done anything to stop the chain of events? Write an essay stating reasons for your opinion and support your opinion with examples from the play.