ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY

Level : BS English
Paper : Classical Drama (9057)
Semester: Autumn 2023
SOLVED BY : EDUCATIONAL SOLUTIONS 03108834239
Q1 Discuss in detail salient features of a Greek tragedy

Salient Features of Greek Tragedy

Greek tragedies, flourishing in ancient Greece from the 6th to 4th

centuries BC, were a powerful form of drama that explored
profound themes of human suffering, fate, and the gods. Here's a
breakdown of their key features:
The Tragic Hero:
• At the heart of the story lies the tragic hero, a figure of noble
birth or high standing. They are not perfect, but possess a
flaw, often hubris (excessive pride) or hamartia (a fatal error in
judgment).
• This flaw sets them on a collision course with destiny, leading
to their inevitable downfall.
Fate and the Divine:
• The concept of fate, often personified by the Moirai (Fates) or
the will of the gods, looms large in Greek tragedies.
Characters grapple with forces beyond their control, raising
questions about free will and the power of the divine.
• Prophecies and oracles play a significant role, foreshadowing
the tragic hero's demise. The hero may try to escape their fate,
but their efforts often play into its fulfillment, creating a sense
of dramatic irony.
The Chorus:
 • A unique element of Greek tragedy is the chorus, a group of
citizen-actors who comment on the action, provide
background information, and offer moral reflection.
• They can function as the voice of reason or embody the
anxieties and fears of the community. Their sung and chanted
verses heighten the emotional impact of the play.
Structure and Performance:
• Greek tragedies typically follow a three-act structure:
prologue, episodes, and exodus.
• The plays were performed outdoors in amphitheaters during
religious festivals, with all-male casts wearing masks.
• Plays often explored themes from Greek mythology, allowing
audiences to connect with familiar stories while
contemplating their deeper meaning.
Catharsis and Cathartic Effect:
• According to the philosopher Aristotle, a key function of
tragedy was to evoke catharsis, a purging of emotions (pity
and fear) in the audience.
• By witnessing the suffering of the tragic hero, viewers were
meant to achieve a sense of emotional release and a deeper
understanding of the human condition.
Examples:
• Well-known Greek tragedies include Sophocles' Oedipus Rex
(exploring fate and free will) and Antigone (focusing on the
clash between human law and divine law), and Euripides'
Medea (a story of revenge and passion).
These features combined to create a powerful dramatic experience
that has resonated for centuries. Greek tragedies continue to be
studied and performed, offering timeless insights into the
complexities of human nature and the challenges of living in a
world governed by fate and the gods.

Q2 Explore the themes of fate and free will in 'Dr Faustus'.

What does Discuss the tragical consequences of of Oedipus
Rex's relentless pursuit of congealed blood of Faustus
signify?

Fate and Free Will in Dr. Faustus: A Dance with the Devil

Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus grapples intensely with the

question of fate versus free will. Here's a breakdown of this theme:
Arguments for Fate:
• Predestination: The play hints at a Calvinist notion of
predestination, where God has already predetermined
Faustus' fate. This is supported by the Good Angel and Evil
Angel representing the internal struggle between good and
evil.
• Mephistopheles' Influence: Mephistopheles tempts
Faustus, but doesn't force him. However, some argue his
manipulation limits Faustus' true free will.
• The Blood Pact: Signing the pact in blood can be seen as a
symbolic surrendering of control to fate, sealing Faustus'
doom.
 • Clock Imagery: The recurring image of the clock ticking
emphasizes the inexorable march of time towards his
damnation.
Arguments for Free Will:
• Faustus' Initial Discontent: Faustus chooses to reject
traditional scholarship and delve into forbidden magic,
showcasing an initial act of free will.
• Moments of Doubt: Throughout the play, Faustus
experiences moments of remorse and contemplates
repenting, suggesting he has some control over his choices.
• The Power to Refuse: He has the opportunity to break the
pact or refuse Mephistopheles' temptations.
The Duality:
Marlowe doesn't offer a definitive answer. The play explores both
sides, leaving the audience to ponder the complex interplay
between fate and free will. Perhaps Faustus' tragedy lies not in a
predetermined fate, but in his own choices leading him down a
path of damnation.
The Tragical Consequences of Conggealed Blood

Faustus' signing the pact with his blood is a pivotal moment,

signifying several tragic consequences:
• Loss of Innocence: Blood symbolizes life and innocence.
Signing with it represents a severing of ties with his former life
and morality.
• Eternal Binding: The blood acts as a binding contract,
sealing his soul's fate to Lucifer. There's no turning back after
this act.
 • Power at a Price: Faustus gains power but sacrifices his
soul in exchange. The blood symbolizes the high price he pays
for his desires.
• Moral Corruption: The blood pact signifies the corruption of
his soul. He literally "sells his soul" to the devil for worldly
pleasures.
In essence, the congealed blood becomes a physical
manifestation of Faustus' tragic choices and their irreversible
consequences. It's a constant reminder of the Faustian bargain he
made, leading to his ultimate damnation.

Q3 Discuss the tragical consequences of of Oedipus Rex's

relentless pursuit of truth.

In Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, Oedipus' relentless pursuit of truth

has devastating consequences, highlighting the complexities of
knowledge and the potential dangers of seeking absolute truth.
Let's delve into the tragic outcomes:
Unveiling a Horrible Truth: Oedipus' quest for the truth about
his past uncovers a horrific reality - he unknowingly killed his
father, Laius, and married his mother, Jocasta. This shatters his
world and identity.
Loss of Innocence and Self-Worth: Oedipus prided himself on
his intelligence and ability to solve problems. Learning the truth
destroys his sense of self and leaves him feeling powerless and
deceived by fate.
Guilt and Despair: The revelation of his crimes plunges Oedipus
into a deep well of guilt and despair. He cannot escape the
knowledge of his actions, leading to immense emotional suffering.
Destruction of Family: The truth tears apart Oedipus' family.
Jocasta takes her own life, and Oedipus, in a fit of self-
punishment, blinds himself. His relentless pursuit isolates him
from the very people he loved.
Loss of Power and Status: The once-revered king is now
ostracized and deemed unfit to rule. His pursuit of truth strips him
of his power and social standing.
Existential Crisis: Oedipus' world is shattered. He questions the
meaning of life, the power of fate, and the possibility of knowing
the true nature of reality. This existential crisis deepens his
despair.
Irony and the Play on Words: The play's title, Oedipus Rex
(Oedipus King), becomes a cruel irony. Oedipus' pursuit of the
truth about his kingship ironically leads to the loss of his crown
and kingdom.
Universal Lesson: The tragedy serves as a cautionary tale. It
suggests that relentless pursuit of truth, especially hidden truths,
can have devastating consequences. It raises questions about the
limits of knowledge and whether some truths are best left
undiscovered.
However, it's important to note alternative interpretations:
• Some argue that Oedipus' downfall is not solely due to his
pursuit of truth, but also his arrogance and unwillingness to
consider the possibility of his own guilt.
• Others see Oedipus' self-blinding as a symbolic act of taking
responsibility for his actions, even if unknowingly committed.
Ultimately, Oedipus Rex explores the complexities of the human
condition, showcasing the potential pitfalls of seeking absolute
truth and the tragic consequences it can unleash.

Q4 ...count no man happy till he dies free of pain at last."

Explain with reference to the context

This famous line, spoken by the Chorus at the very end of

Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, is a powerful statement about the
impermanence of happiness and the inevitability of suffering in
human life. Here's how it resonates within the context of the play:
Oedipus' Dramatic Fall: The play chronicles the tragic downfall
of Oedipus, a king who unknowingly commits terrible crimes -
killing his father and marrying his mother. Despite initial prosperity
and high standing, his relentless pursuit of truth leads to
unimaginable suffering and despair.
Universal Truth: The Chorus' statement transcends the specific
events of the play. It suggests that no matter how fortunate or
powerful someone appears, life is ultimately full of hardship and
pain. Happiness may be fleeting, and suffering is an inevitable part
of the human experience.
Fate and the Powerlessness of Man: The play heavily explores
the concept of fate, with characters seemingly powerless to escape
their destiny. The Chorus' line reinforces this idea, suggesting
that happiness is ultimately out of human control, as fate can
always bring about unforeseen misery.
A Warning Against Hubris: Oedipus' initial pride and arrogance
may have contributed to his downfall. The Chorus' statement can
be seen as a warning against excessive pride. True happiness may
lie in accepting the limitations of human knowledge and
acknowledging the ever-present possibility of suffering.
Open-Endedness: The line doesn't necessarily imply complete
pessimism. Perhaps it suggests that true happiness lies not in the
absence of pain, but in how one confronts and endures it. The play
leaves this question open for the audience to ponder.
Connection to Greek Tragedy: This final statement embodies a
core theme of Greek tragedy - the exploration of human suffering
and the limitations of humanity in the face of fate. It leaves a lasting
impression, urging reflection on the complexities of life and the
ever-present possibility of tragedy.
In conclusion, the Chorus' final line serves as a powerful
commentary on the play's tragic events and a broader reflection on
the human condition. It reminds us that true happiness is a fragile
state, and suffering is an inevitable part of life's journey.
Q5 Give critical appreciation of Hamlet's first soliloquy

A Critical Appreciation of Hamlet's First Soliloquy (Act I,

Scene ii)

Hamlet's first soliloquy is a pivotal moment in Shakespeare's

Hamlet. Here's a breakdown of its significance and literary
techniques:
Emotional Turmoil: The soliloquy lays bare Hamlet's inner
turmoil. He grapples with grief over his father's death, disgust at
his mother's hasty marriage to Claudius, and a sense of existential
despair.
• Vivid Language: Shakespeare employs powerful metaphors
("O that this too too solid flesh would melt...") and similes
("Seems to me most an antique Roman...") to convey Hamlet's
deep emotional state.
• Dramatic Contrast: The soliloquy sharply contrasts with
Claudius' earlier celebratory speech, highlighting Hamlet's
isolation and inner conflict.
Themes Introduced:
• Revenge: Hamlet contemplates suicide as an escape from
his pain, but the ghost's call for revenge ignites a new
purpose.
• Mortality: He questions the meaning of life and death, with
lines like "To die, to sleep – / No more." foreshadowing his
existential contemplation throughout the play.
• Disgust: He expresses disgust at his mother's marriage,
using harsh language ("Frailty, thy name is woman!") that
hints at the play's exploration of betrayal and family dynamics.
Characterization:
 • Intellectual: The soliloquy showcases Hamlet's intellectual
capacity. He uses philosophical language and contemplates
complex questions about life and death.
• Indecisive: Despite his strong emotions, Hamlet reveals his
indecisiveness. He contemplates suicide but lacks the will to
act, foreshadowing his struggle with taking revenge.
Dramatic Techniques:
• Soliloquy: By allowing us direct access to Hamlet's
thoughts, Shakespeare creates a sense of intimacy and
reveals the character's hidden depths.
• Asides: Hamlet's asides ("Why, what an ass am I!") further
emphasize his internal conflict and frustration.
Overall Significance:
• Sets the Stage: This soliloquy establishes the play's central
themes and sets the stage for Hamlet's tragic journey.
• Character Development: It provides crucial insights into
Hamlet's complex personality, motivations, and internal
struggles.
Critical Points to Consider:
• Is Hamlet truly suicidal? Some argue his contemplation of
death is more philosophical than literal.
• Does the soliloquy reveal weakness or depth? His
indecisiveness can be seen as a flaw or a reflection of the
complexity of his situation.
In conclusion, Hamlet's first soliloquy is a masterfully crafted
piece of dramatic writing. It serves as a cornerstone of the play,
revealing the protagonist's emotional state, introducing central
themes, and setting the stage for a compelling exploration of
revenge, mortality, and the human condition.