Oedipus the King

“”Oedipus the King”” , also known as “”Oedipus Rex,”” is a classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles, first performed around 429 BCE. The play is a part of the Theban trilogy and tells the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who is determined to uncover the truth behind a plague ravaging his city. In his quest for answers, Oedipus discovers that he has unwittingly fulfilled a prophecy that foretold he would kill his father and marry his mother. The revelation leads to catastrophic consequences for Oedipus and his family, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the nature of human suffering. “”Oedipus the King”” is celebrated for its complex characters, dramatic tension, and profound philosophical insights, making it one of the most significant works in the history of Western literature. 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: 9798329710472