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Part of "The Theban Plays" series
"Oedipus at Colonus" is a tragic play written by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles, and is the third and final installment in the renowned Oedipus trilogy, which also includes "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone." The play follows the story of Oedipus, who after discovering that he had unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, was exiled from his home in Thebes. In "Oedipus at Colonus," Oedipus, now an old man, arrives at the town of Colonus, near Athens, accompanied by his daughter Antigone. Blind and destitute, Oedipus is seeking a place to die, one that will bring peace to his troubled soul and protect those who give him refuge. The people of Colonus are initially wary of Oedipus, but eventually take him in, and he is granted protection by the gods. The play is a meditation on the themes of suffering, fate, and the human condition. Oedipus, who had once been a powerful king, is now reduced to a pitiful state, and yet he remains defiant in the face of his fate. The play also explores the relationship between Oedipus and his daughters, particularly Antigone, who remains loyal to her father despite his many transgressions. "Oedipus at Colonus" is a powerful and moving play that showcases Sophocles' mastery of the tragic form. It is a testament to the enduring power of Greek drama and continues to be performed and studied to this day. The play is a must-read for anyone interested in classical literature, tragedy, or the human condition. In conclusion, "Oedipus at Colonus" is a profound and thought-provoking play that offers a powerful exploration of the human condition. It is a fitting end to Sophocles' Oedipus trilogy and a testament to his skill as a playwright. The play is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today...
Euripides
The Bacchae
A play that explores the conflict between the rational and the irrational, the individual and the state, and the consequences of challenging the gods. This play, like 'Oedipus at Colonus', delves into the destructive power of human pride and the tragic consequences of challenging fate.
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Electra
A play that deals with the themes of revenge, justice, and the destructive power of family curses, much like 'Oedipus at Colonus'. This play is a great choice for those who enjoyed the exploration of fate and free will in 'Oedipus at Colonus'.
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Philoctetes
A play that deals with the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the destructive power of isolation, much like 'Oedipus at Colonus'. This play is a great choice for those who enjoyed the exploration of fate and free will in 'Oedipus at Colonus'.
Learn MoreAeschylus
Prometheus Bound
A play that deals with the themes of punishment, rebellion, and the destructive power of divine retribution, much like 'Oedipus at Colonus'. This play is a great choice for those who enjoyed the exploration of fate and free will in 'Oedipus at Colonus'.
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