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 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.

what did the protagonist say?

- "the die is cast; i have consented to return if we are not destroyed. thus are my hopes blasted by cowardice and indecision; i come back ignorant and disappointed. it requires more philosophy than i possess to bear this injustice with patience. i have lost my hopes of utility and glory; i have lost my friend."