Plays of Sophocles: Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus; Antigone

Name: Plays of Sophocles: Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus; Antigone
Author: Sophocles

By Sophocles

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About This Book

A set of three linked Greek tragedies dramatizes fate, moral responsibility, and the clash between private duty and public law. In the first play a revered leader's inquiry into a civic plague unravels a hidden past and reveals that he has unknowingly fulfilled a dire oracle, prompting family catastrophe and self-inflicted punishment. The second follows his years of wandering and the search for a final resting place, while the third centers on a woman's defiance of state edict to perform burial rites for a kin, provoking a tragic standoff with the ruler and fatal consequences for both families.

About the Author

Sophocles

Sophocles was an ancient Greek playwright, renowned for his contributions to the genre of tragedy. He is best known for his works that explore complex themes of fate, morality, and the human condition. Among his most famous plays are "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone," which remain pivotal in the study of literature and drama. Sophocles introduced innovations in theatrical performance, including the use of painted scenery and the addition of a third actor, which enhanced the dramatic possibilities of the stage. His works have had a lasting influence on Western literature and continue to be performed and studied for their profound insights into human nature.