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Difficulty: HardDramatic Devices and Conventions

Read the dramatic dialogue below:

KING OBAFEMI: No oracle's warning nor mortal counsel shall alter my decree. I am untouchable by fate, and my own will alone commands the heavens!
COUNCILOR: My Lord, the gods punish those who elevate themselves above divine law.
KING OBAFEMI: Let the gods strike then! My glory surpasses their ancient laws!

Which dramatic device is primarily demonstrated by King Obafemi's declarations?

  1. Hubris, manifested as overweening pride and arrogant defiance of divine authorityAnswer
  2. B
    Hamartia, understood as an external stroke of adverse fortune that befalls the protagonist
  3. C
    Dramatic irony, because the audience holds hidden plot information that the councilor lacks
  4. D
    Soliloquy, because the king utters his private thoughts while standing alone on stage

Answer

Hubris, manifested as overweening pride and arrogant defiance of divine authority
The correct answer accurately identifies hubris, which in drama refers to overweening pride, insolence, or excessive self-confidence that drives a protagonist to defy divine authority or natural boundaries, as demonstrated by King Obafemi's refusal to heed warnings and his claim of superiority over ancient laws.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the speech and attitude of King Obafemi in the excerpt.
The king explicitly refuses to listen to human advice or divine warnings, claiming that his glory surpasses ancient divine laws and that his will commands the heavens.
Character statements reveal personal motivations, attitudes, and thematic tragic traits.
2
Relate the character's behavior to established dramatic conventions and terms.
Excessive self-confidence, extreme pride, and insolence toward divine or cosmic order are defined as hubris in classical and modern drama.
Applying standard literary concepts to dramatic characterization.
3
Select the option that precisely defines the observed dramatic device.
The option identifying hubris as overweening pride accurately captures King Obafemi's defiant posture.
Confirming the correct device while rejecting distractor misconceptions.

Key Concept

Hubris in Dramatic Characterization
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Dramatic Devices and Conventions

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