From fifth-century B.C. Greece until today's theatre, Oedipus Rex has been considered one of the most outstanding examples of Western drama. Among classical writers, Aristotle has lauded this play for its exemplary structure and tragic hero, and, among modern writers, Sigmund Freud has pointed out the universality of Oedipus' circumstances. Why do you think that Oedipus Rex has been praised for twenty-five centuries? If you were critiquing this play, what are some points you would consider?

Many classic dramas of Western literature revolve around the protagonists' relationships with their father. This semester you have already seen how patricide has destroyed not only Oedipus but also Thebes, and later this semester you will see how the loss of the father affects the Wingfields and how the self-perception of the father affects the entire Loman family. How would you characterize the relationship of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, with his father? How would you characterize the relationship of Laertes with Polonius?