I had a read on Oedipus Rex and it seems to be a good contextual link that will score high marks. The link with Macbeth was not too apparent at first but I then I asked Chat GPT, it gave me many links with Shakespeare's purpose as Macbeth is a tragedy. Am I right to assume for my exams in 3 months time that it is great context as it could be used on any question?
You've learned a lot about Oedipus Rex, but the play itself is not relevant to Macbeth - it isn't referenced in the play. However, what you have learned about the classic structure of a Greek Tragedy is very relevant. The bit which is most relevant is this:
In your answer, you can explain how Shakespeare, like Sophocles in Oedipus Rex, follows the classical tragic structure:
"Both Oedipus and Macbeth start as noble, respected leaders.
Both suffer from hamartia (a fatal flaw)—Oedipus' is his pride and ignorance, while Macbeth's is unchecked ambition.
Both experience anagnorisis (a moment of realization) too late—Oedipus when he discovers the truth about his identity, and Macbeth when he realizes the witches misled him.
Both suffer peripeteia (a reversal of fortune)—Oedipus falls from being a great king to a blind exile, while Macbeth falls from power to a doomed tyrant.
Both end in catastrophe, with Oedipus blinding himself and Macbeth being killed.
However, Shakespeare goes beyond Sophocles by adding deeper psychological and political themes:
Psychological depth: Macbeth's descent into madness is shown through soliloquies, hallucinations, and paranoia (e.g., "Is this a dagger which I see before me?").
Political message: Shakespeare, writing under King James I, warns against regicide and tyranny, whereas Sophocles focuses more on fate and divine will."
The main point of the tragic form is not really a comparison to Oedipus, but how Shakespeare updates the form, because he is very interested in free will and the politics of King James's court, rather than showing how our lives are outside of our control.
Hi Sir, What are your predictions for the 2025 Macbeth Exam , and do you have any resources on Fate vs Free will or Appearance vs Reality
First rate tutors: there is a prediction video with Mr salles
Thanks
& Another video dropped yesterday
I had a read on Oedipus Rex and it seems to be a good contextual link that will score high marks. The link with Macbeth was not too apparent at first but I then I asked Chat GPT, it gave me many links with Shakespeare's purpose as Macbeth is a tragedy. Am I right to assume for my exams in 3 months time that it is great context as it could be used on any question?
Here is the chat for context (https://chatgpt.com/share/67b71ee5-523c-800f-ae88-b33dfa3b24d3)
Thanks,
You've learned a lot about Oedipus Rex, but the play itself is not relevant to Macbeth - it isn't referenced in the play. However, what you have learned about the classic structure of a Greek Tragedy is very relevant. The bit which is most relevant is this:
In your answer, you can explain how Shakespeare, like Sophocles in Oedipus Rex, follows the classical tragic structure:
"Both Oedipus and Macbeth start as noble, respected leaders.
Both suffer from hamartia (a fatal flaw)—Oedipus' is his pride and ignorance, while Macbeth's is unchecked ambition.
Both experience anagnorisis (a moment of realization) too late—Oedipus when he discovers the truth about his identity, and Macbeth when he realizes the witches misled him.
Both suffer peripeteia (a reversal of fortune)—Oedipus falls from being a great king to a blind exile, while Macbeth falls from power to a doomed tyrant.
Both end in catastrophe, with Oedipus blinding himself and Macbeth being killed.
However, Shakespeare goes beyond Sophocles by adding deeper psychological and political themes:
Psychological depth: Macbeth's descent into madness is shown through soliloquies, hallucinations, and paranoia (e.g., "Is this a dagger which I see before me?").
Political message: Shakespeare, writing under King James I, warns against regicide and tyranny, whereas Sophocles focuses more on fate and divine will."
The main point of the tragic form is not really a comparison to Oedipus, but how Shakespeare updates the form, because he is very interested in free will and the politics of King James's court, rather than showing how our lives are outside of our control.
Oh many thanks sir.
Thank you. That's great. Do you have a similar list for Jekyll and Hyde? Many thanks.
Yes, they are scheduled for 22nd, but you can find them by going back though my archive