Oedipus King of Thebes by Sophocles

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About this eBook

Author Sophocles, 496? BCE-407 BCE
Translator Murray, Gilbert, 1866-1957
Title Oedipus King of Thebes
Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes
Note Reading ease score: 91.3 (5th grade). Very easy to read.
Credits Produced by Sigal Alon, Turgut Dincer, R. Cedron and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Summary "Oedipus King of Thebes" by Sophocles is a tragic play written in the 5th century BC. This classic piece of literature explores themes of fate, identity, and the pursuit of truth through the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who encounters a troubling past intertwined with prophecies and dire consequences. The narrative involves a deep investigation into the murder of the former king Laïus and the subsequent plague afflicting Thebes, leading Oedipus on a quest filled with devastating revelations. At the start of the play, Thebes is in turmoil due to a devastating plague, prompting Oedipus to seek answers from the oracle at Delphi. He learns that the plague is tied to the unsolved murder of the previous king, Laïus, and commits to uncovering the truth. The opening scenes introduce a crowd of supplicants beseeching Oedipus for help, highlighting the king's initial nobility and determination. As he sends his brother-in-law Creon to consult the oracle and subsequently demands the truth about Laïus’ death, a sense of impending tragedy begins to build as Oedipus unwittingly edges closer to his own dark destiny. The first act sets up the tension between fate and free will that characterizes this profound tragedy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
Subject Tragedies
Subject Oedipus (Greek mythological figure) -- Drama
Category Text
EBook-No. 27673
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Jan 4, 2021
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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