Plays of Sophocles: Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus; Antigone (ePub)

Sophocles (circa 497/6 - 406 BCE) stands among the most celebrated playwrights from ancient Greece, his literary career extending over six decades. He significantly contributed to the dramatic arts, introducing innovative techniques and themes that expanded the narrative complexity of Greek tragedy. His mastery of character development and mastery of choral composition deeply influenced the theatrical tradition. Among Sophocles' surviving works are the seminal plays that constitute 'The Theban Plays': 'Oedipus the King,' 'Oedipus at Colonus,' and 'Antigone.' These plays explore profound themes such as fate, divine will, human agency, and the consequences of hubris, etching a significant mark on the canon of Western literature. 'Oedipus the King,' a monumental work, unravels the tragic tale of a man destined to fulfill a harrowing prophecy. 'Oedipus at Colonus,' written near the end of Sophocles' life, captures the reconciliation between Oedipus and his fate, while 'Antigone' confronts the complexities of duty and morality as the heroine defies the state's authority to honor her brother. Sophocles' influence transcended his lifetime, shaping not only the Athenian dramatic festivals where his plays were performed but also the future generations of playwrights and intellectual thought. His work remains intrinsic to literary study and the understanding of the human condition across millennia.