The document provides tips for reading Oedipus, including paying attention to the characters in each scene, the time and location, the focus of each section, using line numbers not page numbers, reading the pause and reflect notes, reading the footnotes, and examining the pictures included. It emphasizes skimming each scene, reading character descriptions, notes the introduction provides context, and stresses the importance of the focus, pause and reflect, and footnote sections for understanding the play.

1. Tips For Reading Oedipus

2. Pay Attention To… which characters are in each scene the time and location of each section the focus of each section line numbers, rather than page numbers the pause and effect sections throughout the play the footnotes the pictures

3. Which Characters Are in Each Scene Before reading each scene it is important to skim through it and mentally take note of which characters are in the scene. If you notice a new name as you skim, look on your bookmark for the character description. Reading the character description before reading the scene will provide background information about the scene and help you to understand why the new character is important to the scene.

4. The Time and Location of Each Scene Since the ancient Greeks were limited on props the location seldom changes throughout the play. The majority of the scenes take place outside of Oedipus’ home. On page 262 there is a section called “Time and Scene”. Before you begin to read the play read this short introduction. It will explain the time and location of the play.

5. The Focus of Each Section Throughout the play you will find notes titled “Focus”. It is very important to read these notes every time they appear. The Focus will provide vital information about the section you are about to read. Here is an example of the first Focus, which is found on page 262:

6. Line Numbers, Not Page Numbers Reading a play is very different than reading a novel or short story. When referring to parts of a play you refer to the line numbers, not the page numbers. For instance, the following quote appears on page 264 in your textbook, but if I was referring to it a writing assignment I would not say it is from page 264. Instead, I would say it is from lines 16 through 20.

7. The Pause and Reflect Notes Like the Focus notes, the pause and reflect notes are used to break apart the play and help you to understand what is happening in the plot. Usually the Pause and Reflect is a question. When you come upon a Pause and Reflect section take a minute to mentally answer the question. By taking the time to do this you will improve your comprehension of the play. The first Pause and Reflect appears on page 266:

8. The Footnotes On most of the pages throughout the play you will find footnotes on the right sides of the pages. The following footnote can be found on page 262: The footnotes are used to define words or phrases that you might not know. Each footnote provides the line number the word or phrase is found in and a definition. ALWAYS read the footnotes! They contain important information that might appear on a test. 3 branches wound in wool: tokens placed on alters by people seeking favors from the gods.

9. The Pictures Throughout the play you will find pictures from different performances of the play. Some of the pictures are from movie versions of the play and other pictures are from theatrical performances. The pictures will help you to visualize what is going on in the play. When you come to a page with a picture read the caption and examine the picture.