Sophocles: An Introduction

Hareshwar Roy,
Sophocles: An Introduction

Sophocles is a very popular ancient Greek playwright. He belongs to the 5th century B.C. His plays are enjoyed even today in the entire world. He is considered one of the three great Greek tragedians. The others two are Aeschylus and Euripides.

Sophocles was born into a wealthy family in Colonus, a village near Athens. He studied subjects like poetry, music, dancing and gymnastics and became a prominent figure in Athenian society. It is said that he lived a long and successful life. He was not just a writer. He also served as a general, a treasurer and a priest.

Sophocles composed numerous plays. But only some of them have survived completely. His most famous works are part of the Oedipus cycle. This trilogy includes Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. These plays tell the tragic story of King Oedipus and his family. Oedipus Rex is often called the perfect tragedy. It is about a king who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. Antigone focuses on the daughter of Oedipus. She defies a king's law to bury her brother. Other notable plays include Ajax, Electra, and Philoctetes.

The plays of Sophocles explore universal themes of fate, justice and human suffering. As a playwright Sophocles was also a master of character development. His characters are not just puppets at the hands of fate. They are complex individuals. They make their own choices. These choices lead to their tragic downfall.

Sophocles changed Greek theater forever. He was a master of suspense and dramatic irony. He used these literary devices skillfully. He contributed a lot as a pioneer in theatrical innovation. He introduced a third actor to the stage. Before him, plays only had two. He increased chorus size and used painted scenery to enhance the dramatic experience. These changes allowed for more complex plots and characters.

No doubt, Sophocles is one of the greatest tragedians of ancient Greece. His plays are timeless. They explore deep questions about human nature. They show how pride and ignorance can lead to ruin. His work has influenced countless writers, artists and thinkers.
Location: B-37, City Homes Colony, Jawahar Nagar Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India
Currently Dr. Roy is working as Professor of English at Govt. P.G. College Satna, Madhya Pradesh. He is the author of the following books: (1) Diasporic Articulation in the Novels of M.G. Vassanji (2) A Study of M.G. Vassanji 's Novels (3) Varieties of Indianity in the Works of M.G. Vassanji & Rohinton Mistry (4)Diaspora & Indian Diaspora: A Brief Study (5) Short Notes of English Literature - I (6) Short Notes of English Literature - II (7) हमार पहचान ह भोजपुरी - भोजपुरी कविता संकलन (8) हमरा प्यार हो गइल - भोजपुरी गज़ल संकलन (9) भोजपुरी कविताएँ

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