Oedipus

Oedipus the King by Sophocles

From Ms. Whitehead

Please find an outline of the introduction to the book by Sophocles, __Oedipus the King.__ The version of the book you need to read is translated and introduced by Bernard Knox. The book will be given out when school begins but just in case you may want to read this one after you read __The Odyssey__ I want to make sure you buy the correct book.

431 B.C. "The Peloponnesian War". "Final Struggle". Lasted 27 years-by 404 B.C. with defeat/unconditional surrender of Athens.

Sophocles- Lived to 90 years old. Served as Athen's Ambassador. Acted as a General Was Treasurer for the Delian League On special commission to guide Athens through war. Consistent and Successful Dramatist. Composed, directed plays for spring festival for the god, Dionysus.

The "Greek Adversaries"...Euripides....Imendades. Get it? This is from my Dad! Rip....Mend...Oh, I know...corny!

Euripides-rival to Sophocles. Was in theater.

Sophocles won 1st victory in 468 B.C. @28 years old. Against Aeschylus who defeated the Persians in Salamis. Had 18 victories. Wrote 123 plays and only 7 we know.

Considered "the dramatic masterpiece not only of Sophocles but also of the whole magnificent range of an ancient tragedy." (Knox, pg. xix)

Sparta and Athens-chief rivals "for the hegemony of the Greek World". (Knox, pg.xviii) in the 5th Century.

**Don't forget that B.C. dates go down as they progress to today! I know, I know...you probably already know that!

Greeks vs. Persians (Present-Day Iran)

480 B.C.

Freed Greek Cities (including Sparta) Had Sea Battles Join forces (Greek Cities and Sparta) to become Delian League Athens' Dominance caused Sparta concern Athens became an Empire Sparta/Others-now "subjects of Athens". Assets used to Finance Athens' Naval Fleet 5th Century B.C.-Periods of war and unrest Athens was saved from a large-scale Persian Invasion


 * __ The City __**


 * __ The Theater __**


 * __ The Legend and the Play __**