1. Write an essay explaining how Sophocles’ Oedipus exemplifies or refutes Aristotle’s
definition of a tragic hero. Review pp. 1250–1254 and 1257–1258 in your Perrine’s
Literature textbook for the background and overview of Aristotle’s concept of
tragedy/the tragic hero and drama. Then, re-read Sophocles’ play, Oedipus; you may
review additional audio-visual resources
on the play as well.
2. Discuss William Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice as a tragedy. As defined by
Aristotle, is it correct to label Othello a “tragic hero” and to classify the play as an
Aristotelian tragedy? Review pp. 1250–1254 and 1257–1258 in the Perrine’s
Literature textbook for the background and overview of Aristotle’s concept of tragedy/the tragic
hero and drama. Then, re-read Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice; you may
review additional audio-visual resources on the play as well.
3. Discuss the author’s perception of death and the treatment of death in Everyman.
