Sophocles
Sophocles
Author • Editor • Translator496 B.C. – 406 B.C. · From Greece- Books
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Sophocles (circa. 496 BCE - 406 BCE) was the second of the three ancient Greek tragedians whose work has survived to the present day. His first plays were written later than those of Aeschylus, and earlier than those of Euripides.
According to the Suda, a 10th century encyclopedia, Sophocles wrote 120 or more plays during the course of his life, but only seven have survived in a complete form, namely Ajax, Antigone, Trachinian Women, Oedipus the King, Electra, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus.
For almost 50 years, Sophocles was the most-awarded playwright in the dramatic competitions of ancient Athens that took place during the religious festivals of the Lenaea and the Dionysia. Sophocles competed in around thirty drama competitions; he won perhaps twenty four and never received lower than second place. Aeschylus won fourteen competitions and was defeated by Sophocles at times.
Euripides won only four competitions.
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Drama Classics Plays Education Mythology
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Frequently asked questions
Sophocles is primarily celebrated for his contributions to ancient Greek tragedy, particularly for his innovations in dramatic structure and character development. He is especially renowned for his Theban plays, which explore themes of fate, free will, and moral responsibility.
The plays "Oedipus Rex" (also known as "Oedipus the King"), "Oedipus at Colonus," and "Antigone" are commonly grouped together as the Theban plays. While they feature interconnected characters and themes, they were not originally written or performed as a single trilogy.
A good starting point for new readers is often "Oedipus Rex," as it is one of his most famous and influential works, showcasing his mastery of dramatic irony and tragic storytelling. "Antigone" is another excellent choice, known for its powerful exploration of individual conscience versus state law.