Sophocles Books
Sophocles was an Athenian playwright who lived in the fifth century BC. By the time of his death at the age of 90 around 406 BC, he was the most celebrated author in Athens – a city-state at the height of its power and cultural influence. Only seven of the 120 plays Sophocles wrote have survived. Those plays, however, left an indelible mark not only on his own medium of tragic theater, but on Western literature as a whole.
What's Antigone about?
Antigone (c. 441 BC) is a tragedy by Sophocles, one of ancient Greece’s greatest playwrights. After a civil war, two brothers – the leaders of rival factions – are dead. One is remembered as a patriotic hero; the other, as a treacherous usurper. The king of Thebes, Creon, has forbidden anyone to bury the traitor – an order the man’s sister, Antigone, can’t square with her conscience. The stage is set for a conflict pitting the individual against the state, justice against law, idealism against realism, and a defiant woman against a male-dominated world.
Who should read Antigone?
- Theater enthusiasts interested in the history of drama
- Fans of classical literature and mythology
- Anyone interested in exploring themes of morality, family, and power
What's Oedipus Rex about?
Oedipus Rex (fifth century BCE) is a tragedy based on the myth of King Oedipus. While investigating a murder, Oedipus learns shocking truths about his life.
Who should read Oedipus Rex?
- Fans of Greek mythology
- People who enjoy dark, dramatic stories
- Anyone interested in one of the greatest plays of all time
What's Electra about?
Electra (410 BC) is a deep dive into the power of emotions and the thirst for justice. It outlines the severe grief and anger of Electra, a character in ancient Greek mythology, who yearns to avenge her father’s murder.
Who should read Electra?
- Fans of Greek mythology
- Drama enthusiasts
- Students of literature
Oedipus at Colonus
What's Oedipus at Colonus about?
Oedipus at Colonus is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes, as he seeks refuge in the sacred grove of the Furies at Colonus. The play explores themes of fate, redemption, and the power of the gods, as Oedipus comes to terms with his past and prepares for his eventual death. It is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.
Who should read Oedipus at Colonus?
- Anyone interested in Greek mythology and classical literature
- Readers interested in exploring themes of fate and destiny
- Students of literature or drama studying the works of Sophocles
Philoctetes
What's Philoctetes about?
"Philoctetes" is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of a Greek warrior who is abandoned on a deserted island because of a painful and foul-smelling wound. When the Greeks need his magical bow to win the Trojan War, they send Odysseus to convince him to join them. The play explores themes of betrayal, suffering, and the power of fate.
Who should read Philoctetes?
- People interested in ancient Greek literature and mythology
- Readers who enjoy complex characters and compelling storytelling
- Those looking to explore themes of suffering, betrayal, and redemption in literature
The Oedipus Cycle
What's The Oedipus Cycle about?
The Oedipus Cycle by Sophocles is a collection of three timeless Greek tragedies: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. These plays explore themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of our actions. They tell the gripping story of Oedipus, a man destined to fulfill a tragic prophecy, and the devastating effects it has on his family and kingdom.
Who should read The Oedipus Cycle?
- Readers who enjoy classic Greek tragedies and timeless themes
- Students studying literature, drama, or ancient history
- People interested in exploring the complexities of fate, free will, and human nature