A Shakespearean tragedy is said to be its hero’s fall from the height of prosperity to the depth of misery.

A Shakespearean tragedy is said to be its hero’s fall from the height of prosperity to the depth of misery.

Answer any two questions in two separate essays (300 words each), but do not attempt two questions from the same work. Each essay carries 50 points.

1.Is Sophocles’ Oedipus a tragedy of destiny or a tragedy of character? Explain with reference to some of Shakespearean tragedies where each of the tragic heroes has a particular tragic flaw.

2.A Shakespearean tragedy is said to be its hero’s fall from the height of prosperity to the depth of misery. How far is it true in Sophocles’ Oedipus? Explain.

3.Is it fair to say that in Sophocles’ Oedipus, Oedipus is innocent and gods are evil? Give reasons for your answer.

4.Compare and contrast Antigone and Ismene. In your answer, consider if Ismene is overly cautious and Antigone is overly cold in her treatment of Ismene.

5.Do you think Creon is right to uphold the law of the state and Antigone is right to uphold the law of the gods? Is the play about Antigone’s hubris or that of Creon’s? Is it fair to say that Antigone behaves as a stubborn brat and Creon behaves as a tyrant and his law proves to be a disaster both to his family and state?

6.Portray the character of Haemon. Consider his polite and loving plea when he urges Creon to change his mind and his eventual despair and suicide being unable to persuade him.

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