MWD Oedipus Rex
Title: Oedipus Rex
Author: Sophocles
Date of Publication: around 430 B.C.
Genre: Dramatic Tragedy
Biographical information about the author: Born at Colonus, son of Sophilus. Sophocles was a playwright and served as a priest. He had a son with Nicartrata, who was also a playwright. And he also had a son with Theoris. Wrote 123plays but only 7 survived: Ajar, Antigone, Trachinian women, Oedipus Tyrannoss, Electras, Philocetes, and Oedipus at Colonus. Also increased the number of chorus from 12 to 15. Powerful imaged occur in Ajar’s sword, Philocetes bow, and Electras urn. Actions in his play unfold in a more natural way and avoid the expository prologues of his contemporary. The modern concept of tragic drama begins with Sophocles. Oedipus is arguably the most influential play written. Also distinguished as a figure coincided with the rise and fall of Athens. At 16 he was an accomplished dancer and lyre player. Served as an imperial treasurer and diplomat. Sophocles is regarded as the tragic Homer. All tragedies posses a moral or religious problem and an unalterable idea of fate and divine will of the gods. Died in 406 B.C., 2 years before the fall of Sparta. Considered one of the three greatest playwrights of classical Greek.
Historical background:
Greek theater was part of a religious festival. Greek plays were put on at annual festivals for as many as 15,000 spectators. During this time there was a great advancement in philosophy, art, and government. The Golden Age of Athens happened during his lifetime. Sophocles was involved with the political and military affairs of Athenian democracy. He did stints as a city treasurer and as a naval officer, and throughout his life he was a close friend of, Pericles. He also was chosen to be one of the nine generals in the campaign dealing with power of the state. Athens became entangled in a war with other city-states.
Characteristics of the Genre: Tragedy was thought to have developed from the ancient
Author: Sophocles
Date of Publication: around 430 B.C.
Genre: Dramatic Tragedy
Biographical information about the author: Born at Colonus, son of Sophilus. Sophocles was a playwright and served as a priest. He had a son with Nicartrata, who was also a playwright. And he also had a son with Theoris. Wrote 123plays but only 7 survived: Ajar, Antigone, Trachinian women, Oedipus Tyrannoss, Electras, Philocetes, and Oedipus at Colonus. Also increased the number of chorus from 12 to 15. Powerful imaged occur in Ajar’s sword, Philocetes bow, and Electras urn. Actions in his play unfold in a more natural way and avoid the expository prologues of his contemporary. The modern concept of tragic drama begins with Sophocles. Oedipus is arguably the most influential play written. Also distinguished as a figure coincided with the rise and fall of Athens. At 16 he was an accomplished dancer and lyre player. Served as an imperial treasurer and diplomat. Sophocles is regarded as the tragic Homer. All tragedies posses a moral or religious problem and an unalterable idea of fate and divine will of the gods. Died in 406 B.C., 2 years before the fall of Sparta. Considered one of the three greatest playwrights of classical Greek.
Historical background:
Greek theater was part of a religious festival. Greek plays were put on at annual festivals for as many as 15,000 spectators. During this time there was a great advancement in philosophy, art, and government. The Golden Age of Athens happened during his lifetime. Sophocles was involved with the political and military affairs of Athenian democracy. He did stints as a city treasurer and as a naval officer, and throughout his life he was a close friend of, Pericles. He also was chosen to be one of the nine generals in the campaign dealing with power of the state. Athens became entangled in a war with other city-states.
Characteristics of the Genre: Tragedy was thought to have developed from the ancient