In Our Time Oedipus Rex
Jul 6, 2023
Join Nick Lowe, Reader in Classical Literature, Fiona Macintosh, Professor of Classical Reception, and Edith Hall, Professor of Classics, as they dissect Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. They delve into the play's exploration of fate, identity, and power dynamics in ancient Athens. The discussion highlights Oedipus's tragic journey from a revered king to a tyrant who blinds himself, as well as the play's lasting legacy through psychological interpretations. Expect insights into audience participation and the complex relationships that make this tragedy a timeless masterpiece.
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Oedipus's Downfall
- Oedipus, a powerful king, faces a crisis in Thebes, a wealthy but plague-ridden city.
- He discovers his wife is his mother and that he killed his father, falling from grace.
Oedipus Rex and Athenian Context
- Oedipus Rex was likely written in the early 420s BC, after the start of the Peloponnesian War and during plagues in Athens.
- The play's themes of crisis and leadership echo those of Athens at the time, possibly mirroring Pericles.
Riddles and Oedipus's Fate
- Oedipus solved the Sphinx's riddle, saving Thebes and becoming king.
- He faces new riddles about a plague and his identity, ultimately leading to his ruin.