Read :Oedipus Rex
Think about an element of this play that repeats–a symbol, a phrase, a theme, etc.
Write about the effect of this repetition for you as a reader.
Write about how these repetitions “add up” to something meaningful in the play.
Reflect on one of the elements of tragedy from (Tragic Elements in Classical Theater and Understanding Oedipus Rex in Terms of the Incest Taboo, Boundary Crossing and Identity)
whether it be the character (how does Oedipus fulfill Aristotle’s notion of a tragic character?);
or plot (remember what Aristotle says about the ordering of events in the tragic plot
or emotion (what makes this play evoke pity and fear?), etc. Refer to a specific line or lines or scene in the play that you are focusing on.
Think about what Terry Eagleton said about the boundary-crossing that occurs in Oedipus Rex:
what kinds of boundaries does Oedipus cross?
Which ones (if any) are acceptable? Why?
Which ones (if any) are abominations? Why?