Sophocles, along with Euripides and Aeschylus, was a prominent figure in Ancient Greek Tragedy during the 5th century. Born in a small community near Athens in 496 BCE, Sophocles received a well-rounded education in music, dancing, and athletics. At only 15 years old, he was chosen to lead a choir in celebration of the Victory of Salamis. In 468 BCE, Sophocles won his first Dionysian dramatic festival, defeating previous champion Aeschylus.
The Dionysia was an annual festival dedicated to the god Dionysus, featuring dramatic competitions. Each year, three playwrights presented a tetralogy of tragic plays and one Satyr play. Out of the 30 competitions Sophocles participated in, he won an impressive 24, making him one of the most successful playwrights of his time.
Sophocles is believed to have been supported by the prominent Athenian statesman, Cimon. Even after Cimon's exile in 461 BCE, Sophocles' success continued. However, information about ancient writers such as Sophocles is often limited and fragmented.
In 443 or 442 BCE, Sophocles served as a treasurer for Athens and later as a general in a campaign against the rival island of Samos. He passed away at the age of 90 in 406 or 405 BCE.
Sophocles believed that human nature is influenced not only by internal factors but also by divine laws and the unpredictable will of the Greek deities. He believed that when faced with a tragic circumstance, humans become aware of the forces of nature and their predetermined destinies, ultimately guiding their actions.
Although not a philosopher himself, Sophocles's work, particularly "Oedipus Rex" (429 BCE), had a significant impact on later thinkers, such as Aristotle. The founder of the Peripatetic school of philosophy, Aristotle, saw science as the foundation of all knowledge and believed that acting in accordance with nature was the path to virtue.
In his analysis of Sophocles' play "Antigone" (441 BCE), Aristotle focused on the concept of the golden mean, which suggests finding balance between extremes. He also explored the role of the Olympian divine, or the influence of Greek gods in mortal lives. According to Aristotle, those who find a balance between extremes will achieve serenity, despite the unpredictable actions of the gods. This belief is supported by the tragic story of Antigone and King Creon, representing two opposing extremes.
Unfortunately, most of Sophocles' plays have been lost over time. However, the seven surviving tragedies provide insight into his beliefs and expertise as a playwright. One of his most famous quotes from "Oedipus Rex" states, "Time, which sees all things, has found you out, for Time alone is truly just, all the rest is merely words." This reflects his understanding of the role of fate and the inevitability of one's destiny.
Sophocles, a renowned Greek playwright, left a lasting legacy with his works, including the seven surviving tragedies. These plays, known as The Theban Plays, are set in and around the city of Thebes and feature a continuation of characters. While often grouped together, they were not originally written as a trilogy and were most likely penned at different points throughout Sophocles's life. Only two plays have specific dates: Philoctetes (409 BCE) and Oedipus at Colonus (401 BCE).
The first play, "Oedipus Rex" (also known as "Oedipus the King"), tells the story of Oedipus, who is fated to kill his father and marry his mother. In an attempt to avoid this prophecy, Oedipus leaves his home in Corinth, where he was raised by King Polybus. However, through a series of trials and victories, Oedipus becomes the king of Thebes and unknowingly fulfills his curse by marrying Jocasta, the widowed queen. This play explores themes of destiny, the influence of the gods, and generational shame.
In "Oedipus at Colonus," we see the once-respected king in a state of deep shame and disgust for unknowingly fulfilling the prophecy. Oedipus reflects on his tragedy, saying, "I am the most abhorred of men, I, the finest one of all those bred in Thebes" (Lines 1628-1635).
Sophocles' Theban Plays, consisting of "Oedipus Rex," "Antigone," and "Oedipus at Colonus," are renowned tragedies that delve into the themes of destiny, fate, and the consequences of one's actions. Each play builds upon the other, creating a tragic trilogy that remains a timeless classic in the world of literature.
The main focus of these plays is the character of Oedipus, who, despite his downfall and banishment, is still plagued by the lingering effects of his actions. In the second play, "Antigone," we see his daughter struggling with a difficult decision of whether to bury her brother outside the city walls or face death for giving him a proper burial. This decision ultimately leads to a series of tragic events, including the deaths of Antigone, King Creon's son Haemon, and Haemon's mother, Eurydice.
In "Oedipus at Colonus," we see Oedipus in exile, cared for only by his daughters, Antigone and Ismene. Despite his advanced age, he is still affected by his destiny and is offered protection by Theseus, the King of Athens, against his brother-in-law, King Creon, who is determined to defeat Thebes. The play ends with Oedipus's mysterious death and the battle between his sons, Polyneices and Eteocles.
In addition to the famous Theban plays, Sophocles has four other surviving tragic works:
Sophocles is known for exploring the central theme of fate versus free will in his tragedies. This classic struggle between destiny and choice is a recurring motif in his works. In his early plays, he imitated Aeschylus's style, but later, he introduced a third actor and explored the relationship between man and the actions of deities.
Sophocles's plays also focus on the characters' response to pressure and mental turmoil, often caused by their tragic flaw. Unlike Aeschylus, he did not reduce the number of Chorus members; instead, he increased it from twelve to fifteen. This Chorus played a crucial role in Greek tragedies, representing the voice of the people and providing commentary on the protagonist's actions.
As the Chorus laments in "Antigone": "I have seen this gathering sorrow from time long past Loom upon Oedipus’ children: generation from generation Takes the compulsive rage of the enemy god. So lately this last flower of Oedipus’ line Drank the sunlight! but now a passionate word And a handful of dust have closed up all its beauty."
Sophocles's Theban Plays are a masterpiece of Greek tragedy and a reminder of the consequences of one's actions, even in the face of fate. These works continue to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide, making them timeless classics in the world of literature.
Sophocles, the celebrated playwright of ancient Athens, was not only a master of words, but also a forerunner in visual storytelling. He is credited with introducing skenographia, or scenery paintings, into his plays, enhancing the audience's experience and creating a sense of localization.
Known for his precise and carefully chosen language, Sophocles utilized meter, dramatic irony, and even rhyme in his writing. His use of lyric and iambic trimeters, with alternating stressed and unstressed syllables, brought dynamism and depth to his works, capturing the essence of his characters and their situations.
Sophocles was born around 497 BCE in Colonus, a deme near Athens. Recognized for his artistic talent at a young age, he defeated renowned playwright Aeschylus in the Dionysian festival of 468 BCE.
In his lifetime, Sophocles wrote numerous works, but only seven tragedies have survived. He is most renowned for his Theban plays, which explore the timeless theme of fate versus free will and have greatly influenced philosophical thought, particularly in Aristotle's teachings.
Sophocles' perspective on the relationship between mortals and the gods is further explored through his play Antigone, which was later analyzed by the famous philosopher Aristotle. In it, he presents the idea of choosing a middle path between extremes as a means to avoid tragedy.
While he also wrote epic poems and other forms of literature, Sophocles' tragedies remain his most notable contributions. Each work delves into complex themes and universal struggles, making them a timeless reflection of human nature.
Fate is a recurring theme in Sophocles' plays, shaping the actions and destinies of his characters. From Oedipus, who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, to Antigone, who defies the law to honor her brother's burial rights, only to meet her tragic end.
His works also incorporate the concept of the tragic hero, a character with admirable traits who ultimately meets a tragic fate due to a fatal flaw, a key element in Aristotle's theory of tragedy.
Sophocles' writing and insights into human nature continue to captivate and inspire, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest playwrights of all time.
