Date Approved
6-8-2006
Embargo Period
4-5-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Theatre and Dance
Department
Theatre & Dance
College
College of Performing Arts
Advisor
Graneto, Phillip A.
Subject(s)
Metaphysics in art; Oedipus (Tale) in literature
Disciplines
Theatre and Performance Studies
Abstract
The fundamental human struggle is a spiritual struggle demonstrated by a metaphysical analysis of the drama Oedipus Rex. Drama presents a mimesis of human action and dramatic plots are comprised of these physical actions. This fundamental dramatic action consists of the embodied action of the human being (i.e., substance), comprised of body and soul (i.e., matter and form). Through these embodied actions Aristotelian metaphysical first principles become tangible for the audience. This metaphysical reality is both fundamental to the human being and universal to the human experience. Therefore the fundamental human struggle is a spiritual struggle, viz., the exercise of virtue and rejection of vice.
Recommended Citation
Lorenzo, Joseph Mack, "Oedipus Rex: metaphysics and the fundamental human struggle" (2006). Theses and Dissertations. 901.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/901
