Oedipus Rex: The King Translated by Plumptre with an Introduction by

A Masterpiece of Ancient Greek Tragedy

Oedipus Rex, also known as Oedipus the King, is a masterpiece of ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles. Written in the 5th century BC, the play tells the story of Oedipus, a king of Thebes who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. The play has been translated into many languages and has been performed countless times around the world.

Oedipus Rex is a complex and challenging play that explores themes of fate, prophecy, and tragedy. The play's protagonist, Oedipus, is a tragic figure who is both noble and flawed. He is a good king who loves his people, but he is also arrogant and quick to anger. His tragic flaw is his hubris, or excessive pride, which leads him to believe that he can escape his fate.

Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) [Translated by E. H. Plumptre with an Introduction by John Williams White]

by Sophocles

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2483 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	66 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The play begins with Thebes in the grip of a plague. Oedipus, who has recently become king, is determined to find the cause of the plague and rid his city of it. He sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to the oracle at Delphi to ask for advice. The oracle tells Creon that the plague is a punishment for the murder of Laius, the previous king of Thebes. Oedipus vows to find Laius's killer and bring him to justice.

Oedipus's investigation leads him to the truth about his own past. He learns that he is the son of Laius and Jocasta, the queen of Thebes. He also learns that he was prophesied to kill his father and marry his mother. Horrified by this revelation, Oedipus blinds himself and goes into exile.

Oedipus Rex is a powerful and moving play that has resonated with audiences for centuries. The play's themes of fate, prophecy, and tragedy are still relevant today. The play also offers a深刻的 考察of human nature. Oedipus is a complex and flawed character, but he is also a sympathetic figure. He is a man who is trying to do the right thing, but who is ultimately defeated by his own fate.

Characters

• Oedipus: The king of Thebes. He is a good king who loves his people, but he is also arrogant and quick to anger.
• Jocasta: The queen of Thebes and Oedipus's mother. She is a loving and supportive wife, but she is also aware of the prophecy that her son will kill his father and marry her.
• Creon: Oedipus's brother-in-law and the brother of Jocasta. He is a loyal and trusted advisor to Oedipus, but he is also ambitious and self-serving.
• Tiresias: A blind prophet who knows the truth about Oedipus's past. He is reluctant to tell Oedipus the truth, but he eventually does so.
• Laius: The previous king of Thebes and Oedipus's father. He was killed by Oedipus at a crossroads.

Themes

• Fate: Oedipus Rex is a play about fate. Oedipus is doomed from the beginning to kill his father and marry his mother. This is a prophecy that he cannot escape, no matter how hard he tries.
• Prophecy: The oracle at Delphi plays a major role in Oedipus Rex. The oracle's prophecies are always true, but they are often ambiguous. This can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
• Tragedy: Oedipus Rex is a tragedy. The play ends with Oedipus blinded and exiled. This is a tragic end for a good man who was defeated by his own fate.
• Hubris: Oedipus's tragic flaw is his hubris, or excessive pride. He believes that he can escape his fate, but he is ultimately proven wrong.
• Blindness: Oedipus is physically blinded at the end of the play, but he is also blind to the truth about his own past. This blindness leads to his downfall.
• Incest: Oedipus unknowingly marries his mother. This is a taboo act that is punished by the gods.
• Parricide: Oedipus unknowingly kills his father. This is another taboo act that is punished by the gods.

Legacy

Oedipus Rex is one of the most famous and influential plays in Western literature. The play has been translated into many languages and has been performed countless times around the world. The play has also been adapted into operas, films, and television shows.

Oedipus Rex is a complex and challenging play, but it is also a rewarding one. The play offers a深刻的 考察of human nature and the human condition. The play is a reminder that we are all subject to fate and that we should not be too proud or arrogant.

by Plumptre

In his to Oedipus Rex, Plumptre provides a detailed analysis of the play's structure, characters, and themes. Plumptre argues that Oedipus Rex is a masterpiece of ancient Greek tragedy and that it is still relevant to audiences today. Plumptre's is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Oedipus Rex.

Oedipus Rex is a powerful and moving play that has resonated with audiences for centuries. The play's themes of fate, prophecy, and tragedy are still relevant today. The play also offers a深刻的 考察of human nature. Oedipus is a complex and flawed character, but he is also a sympathetic figure. He is a man who is trying to do the right thing, but who is ultimately defeated by his own fate.

Oedipus Rex is a must-read for anyone who is interested in ancient Greek tragedy. The play is a masterpiece of literature that offers a profound and moving exploration of the human condition.

Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) [Translated by E. H. Plumptre with an Introduction by John Williams White]

by Sophocles

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2483 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	66 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE