Sophocles

The play begins with King Oedipus of Thebes seeking to end a plague afflicting his city. He sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to consult the oracle of Apollo, who reveals that the plague will end when the murderer of the former king, Laius, is found and brought to justice. Unaware that he himself is the killer, Oedipus vows to find the murderer. Through a series of revelations, it is discovered that Oedipus is the son of Laius and Jocasta, whom he unknowingly killed and married, respectively. Upon learning the truth, Jocasta hangs herself, and Oedipus, in grief and despair, gouges out his own eyes and is eventually exiled from Thebes.

Written in the 5th century BCE, 'Antigone' by Sophocles is a tragedy set in the ancient Greek city of Thebes. The play revolves around Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, who defies King Creon's law by burying her brother Polyneices, who was declared a traitor. This act of civil disobedience sparks a profound exploration of themes such as the tension between personal morality and state law, the nature of justice, the role of fate, and the dangers of excessive pride. The play highlights Antigone's unwavering commitment to her familial duty and the gods, contrasting with Creon's rigid adherence to the law. The tragic consequences of their inflexible moral standpoints lead to a devastating outcome, questioning the absolute authority of human law versus divine law.

In this ancient Greek tragedy, Oedipus, the blind and banished King of Thebes, arrives at Colonus, a deme of Athens, accompanied by his daughter Antigone. The play explores themes of fate, forgiveness, and the tragic consequences of human actions as Oedipus awaits his death, interacting with characters such as Theseus, Creon, and his son Polyneices. The drama culminates with Oedipus' mysterious and sacred death, attended by Theseus and his daughters.

The play, written by Sophocles in the 5th century BCE, centers on the Greek warrior Ajax, who becomes enraged when the armor of Achilles is awarded to Odysseus instead of him. Driven to madness by the goddess Athena, Ajax mistakenly attacks and slaughters livestock, believing them to be his enemies. Upon regaining his sanity and realizing his mistake, Ajax is overwhelmed by shame and decides to commit suicide. The play delves into themes of honor, shame, and the human condition, highlighting the complexities of heroism and the societal values that can lead to destruction.

In 'Poetics,' Aristotle discusses the different kinds and forms of poetry, including epic, tragedy, comedy, and dithyrambic poetry. He defines poetry as a form of imitation that seeks to represent life through character, emotion, or action. The work is primarily focused on tragedy, where Aristotle analyzes the elements of plot, character, thought, diction, song, and spectacle. He also introduces key concepts such as 'mimêsis' (imitation) and 'katharsis' (the purging of emotions), and defends the art of poetry as a natural human instinct that provides pleasure and understanding through artistic representation.

The play begins with Deianeira, Heracles' wife, lamenting his long absence and expressing anxiety over his safety. Upon receiving news that Heracles is returning home after a military victory, Deianeira learns that he has fallen in love with Iole, the daughter of King Eurytus, and has brought her back as a captive. Deianeira, in an attempt to win back Heracles' affection, uses a magic potion given by the centaur Nessus, which turns out to be a deadly poison. Heracles returns home in agony, and Deianeira, realizing her mistake, kills herself. Heracles, in his final moments, instructs his son Hyllus to marry Iole and to burn him alive on a funeral pyre to end his suffering. The play concludes with the tragic fate of the characters and the reflection on the human condition and the power of love and fate.

In this work, Ivan Mortimer Linforth provides a detailed analysis of the play 'Philoctetes' and its central character. The book delves into the literary and historical context of the play, offering insights into the themes, characters, and significance within classical Greek literature.

Written towards the end of Sophocles' career, 'Electra' dramatizes the story of Orestes' revenge for the murder of his father, King Agamemnon, by his mother Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. The play explores Electra's intense grief and desire for vengeance, her psychological turmoil, and the moral complexities of her actions. The story unfolds with Orestes' return, his secret identity, and the eventual revelation and execution of the revenge plot. The play is notable for its examination of character, particularly Electra's unwavering dedication to her father and her conflict with her moral duty towards her mother. The tragic ending highlights the cyclical nature of violence and the consequences of revenge.