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Oedipus at Colonus: Companions to Greek and Roman Tragedy

W.B. Yeats

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Sophocles: Oedipus at Colonus (Companions to Greek and Roman Tragedy)

by Adrian Kelly

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages

Oedipus at Colonus is a tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Oedipus's final days. The play is set in the village of Colonus, near Athens, where Oedipus has come to seek refuge after being exiled from Thebes.

Oedipus is a tragic figure who has been punished for a crime that he did not commit. He was born to the king and queen of Thebes, but he was abandoned as a baby because of a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus grew up to fulfill this prophecy, and he was exiled from Thebes after his father's death.

In Oedipus at Colonus, Oedipus is a broken man who is haunted by his past. He is blind and weak, and he is accompanied by his two daughters, Antigone and Ismene. Oedipus has come to Colonus to seek refuge, and he hopes to find peace before he dies.

The play begins with Oedipus and his daughters entering the village of Colonus. They are met by the Chorus, a group of elders who are the guardians of the village. The Chorus welcomes Oedipus to Colonus, but they also warn him that he is not welcome in their village. Oedipus pleads with the Chorus to allow him to stay, and he tells them his story.

The Chorus is moved by Oedipus's story, and they agree to allow him to stay in Colonus. Oedipus is grateful for their kindness, and he spends the rest of his days in the village. He is visited by his sons, Polynices and Eteocles, who have come to beg for his forgiveness. Oedipus refuses to forgive them, and he curses them.

Oedipus dies at the end of the play, and he is buried in Colonus. He is mourned by his daughters, Antigone and Ismene, and by the Chorus. Oedipus's death is a tragic event, but it is also a peaceful one. He has finally found peace after a long and difficult life.

Themes in Oedipus at Colonus

Oedipus at Colonus explores a number of important themes, including:

Fate and free will: Oedipus is a tragic figure who is punished for a crime that he did not commit. He is born to a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, and he grows up to fulfill this prophecy. However, Oedipus is not entirely responsible for his actions. He is a victim of fate, and he is forced to suffer for a crime that was not his fault.
The importance of family: Oedipus is a complex character who is both loved and hated by his family. He is loved by his daughters, Antigone and Ismene, but he is hated by his sons, Polynices and Eteocles. Oedipus's relationships with his family are strained, but they are also important to him. He needs his family's love and support, and he is devastated when they abandon him.
The power of forgiveness: Oedipus is a unforgiving character who refuses to forgive his sons for their crimes. He curses them, and he wishes them a life of pain and suffering. However, Oedipus's unforgiveness is ultimately self-destructive. It prevents him from finding peace, and it leads to his own death.
The importance of death: Oedipus dies at the end of the play, and his death is a tragic event. However, Oedipus's death is also a peaceful one. He has finally found peace after a long and difficult life. Death is a natural part of life, and it is something that we all must face. Oedipus's death is a reminder that we should not fear death, but rather embrace it as a natural part of life.

Characters in Oedipus at Colonus

Oedipus at Colonus features a number of complex and interesting characters, including:

Oedipus: Oedipus is the protagonist of the play. He is a tragic figure who has been punished for a crime that he did not commit. Oedipus is a complex character who is both loved and hated by his family. He is a victim of fate, but he is also responsible for his own actions.
Antigone: Antigone is Oedipus's daughter. She is a loyal and loving daughter who is devoted to her father. Antigone is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
Ismene: Ismene is Oedipus's other daughter. She is a kind and gentle woman who is devoted to her father. Ismene is not as strong as Antigone, but she is just as loyal and loving.
Polynices: Polynices is Oedipus's son. He is a power-hungry and ambitious man who is determined to become king of Thebes. Polynices is a selfish and cruel man who is not worthy of his father's love.
Eteocles: Eteocles is Oedipus's other son. He is a weak and indecisive man who is not fit to be king. Eteocles is jealous of his brother, Polynices, and he is determined to keep him from becoming king.
The Chorus: The Chorus is a group of elders who are the guardians of the village of Colonus. The Chorus is a wise and compassionate group of men who offer Oedipus their support and guidance.

Critical Reception

Oedipus at Colonus has been praised by critics for its powerful storytelling, its complex characters, and its exploration of important themes. The play has been performed countless times around the world, and it continues to be one of the most popular and beloved tragedies in the Greek repertoire.

Some of the most famous productions of Oedipus at Colonus include:

The 1954 production at the Old Vic Theatre in London, starring Laurence Olivier as Oedipus.
The 1968 production at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, starring George C. Scott as Oedipus.
The 2001 production at the Royal National Theatre in London, starring Brian Cox as Oedipus.
The 2011 production at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, starring Placido Domingo as Oedipus.

Oedipus at Colonus is a powerful and moving tragedy that explores important themes such as fate, free will, the importance of family, and the power of forgiveness. The play features a number of complex and interesting characters, and it has been praised by critics for its powerful storytelling and its exploration of important themes.

Oedipus at Colonus is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek tragedy. It is a powerful and moving play that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Sophocles: Oedipus at Colonus (Companions to Greek and Roman Tragedy)

by Adrian Kelly

5 out of 5