Oedipus at Colonus

“”Oedipus at Colonus”” is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. It is the second play in the Theban trilogy, preceded by “”Oedipus Rex”” and followed by “”Antigone.”” First performed in 401 BCE, the play unfolds in the village of Colonus near Athens. The story follows the exiled King Oedipus as he arrives at Colonus, seeking a final resting place. Accompanied by his daughters, Antigone and Ismene, Oedipus finds sanctuary and redemption in the grove of the Eumenides. The play explores themes of fate, redemption, and the tension between personal suffering and public duty. It culminates in Oedipus’s mysterious and divine end, signifying his transformation from a cursed outcast to a sanctified figure. “”Oedipus at Colonus”” is a profound exploration of human suffering, divine will, and the search for peace in the twilight of life. Sophocles (circa 497/6-406/5 BCE) was a renowned ancient Greek playwright and one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens. Along with Aeschylus and Euripides, Sophocles significantly shaped the genre of tragedy. He is best known for his Theban plays: “”Oedipus Rex,”” “”Oedipus at Colonus,”” and “”Antigone.”” Sophocles introduced several innovations to Greek drama, including the addition of a third actor and the development of more complex characters. His works are celebrated for their poetic language, dramatic structure, and deep philosophical insights into human nature. Francis Storr (1839-1919) was a British translator, editor, and writer. He is known for his translations of Greek tragedies, including the works of Sophocles. His translations are praised for their clarity, fidelity to the original text, and poetic quality, making the classical works accessible to English-speaking audiences. —- ISBN: 9798329710007