Athenian tragedy: Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex | Topics & English

It’s the original psychological thriller, a 2,500-year-old detective story where the hero, in a desperate search for a killer, discovers the criminal is himself. It’s Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and it’s one of the most powerful plays ever written.

In this episode of English Plus, we unpack the ultimate tragedy:

• We walk through the suspenseful, masterfully crafted plot.
• We tackle the big philosophical question: Is our life governed by fate or by free will?
• We explore key literary concepts like dramatic irony, hubris, and catharsis.
• We ask why this ancient story of a doomed king still has the power to shock and fascinate us today.

This episode is also your guide to more powerful English. We break down 10 essential, advanced vocabulary words and concepts like "paradox," "existential," and "a cautionary tale." Plus, you'll get a practical speaking lesson on the art of "concession" to make your arguments more persuasive.

Join us for a deep dive into a cornerstone of literature.

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