The Theban Plays
The Theban Plays by Sophocles, published by Penguin Publishing Group in 1974, presents a powerful trilogy that explores mankind’s struggle against fate. This illustrated edition, comprising 168 pages, features E. F. Watling’s translation, which captures the essence of the original works. The plays delve into the tragic legends of the royal house of Thebes, focusing on themes of fate, guilt, and authority through the stories of King Oedipus, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone.
Readers will find profound insights into the human condition as they engage with the narrative of King Oedipus, who unknowingly brings disaster upon his city, and the subsequent tales that reflect the consequences of his actions. The edition includes an introduction that examines central themes, the role of the Chorus, and the traditions of Greek tragedy, enriching the reader’s understanding of these classic works. The Theban Plays not only reflect ancient civilization and history but also serve as a significant contribution to the literary canon, making it a valuable addition for those interested in drama and literary criticism.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘O Light! May I never look on you again,
Revealed as I am, sinful in my begetting,
Sinful in marriage, sinful in shedding of blood!’
The legends surrounding the royal house of Thebes inspired Sophocles (496–406 BC) to create a powerful trilogy of mankind’s struggle against fate. King Oedipus tells of a man who brings pestilence to Thebes for crimes he does not realise he has committed, and then inflicts a brutal punishment upon himself. With profound insights into the human condition, it is a devastating portrayal of a ruler brought down by his own oath. Oedipus at Colonus provides a fitting conclusion to the life of the aged and blinded king, while Antigone depicts the fall of the next generation, through the conflict between a young woman ruled by her conscience and a king too confident in his own authority.
E. F. Watling’s masterful translation is accompanied by an introduction, which examines the central themes of the plays, the role of the Chorus, and the traditions and staging of Greek tragedy.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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