Question

In Oedipus Rex, the catastrophe* happens off-stage. It is narrated by a SERVANT. Explain how Sophocles' choice to have Oedipus' and Jocasta's fates happen off-stage affects this very important part of the narrative. Be sure to explain the role that Sophocles gives the servant. *Remember that the catastrophe is the conclusion of the central conflict, and it is a series of tragic events that happen simultaneously.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Sofocles decided that the catastrophe involving Oedipus and Jocasta should take place offstage and that these facts be presented by a servant. This decision was made to allow the narrative to increase dramatically, without being appealing and stimulating the public's imagination.

This is because when the servant is placed as the bearer of the catastrophe information, the public can use his words and create his own image of what happened and may even doubt that the facts narrated are real. Sofocle, then, gave the public autonomy over the tragic end of the story.