Sophocles' Theban Plays

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that reading the three plays "Oedipus the King", "Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone" in chronological order gives us more insight into Sophocles' narrative skill. The paper explains that one is able to fully savor the strange fusion of character and destiny that Sophocles manages to pull off as a playwright and storyteller. The paper argues further that although the play cycle has occasional lapses in chronology and internal inconsistencies, the plays also show us how certain characters, in particular, Creon, are able to radically transform themselves over time.

From the Paper:

"Sophocles composed the Theban plays during a thirty-six year span. The three plays were actually not composed in chronological order; Antigone was penned first, followed by Oedipus the King, and finally, Oedipus at Colonus, shortly before Sophocles's death. As such, the three plays are rife with inconsistencies that come out when one reads them closely in chronological (i.e. sequential) order. Most notably, at the end of Oedipus the King, Creon has emerged as the undisputed King. He decides to expel Oedipus from Thebes after consulting with Apollo. Creon is then asked to look after Antigone and Ismene, the two daughters of Oedipus, which he agrees to do. In the subsequent plays, however, the two daughters are found wandering about on their own, either having fled with Oedipus or actively campaigning against Creon, who is supposed to be looking after them."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Sophocles, The Three Theban Plays. New York: Penguin Classics, 2000.

More papers on Sophocles' Theban Plays:

• Analytical Essay # 42426 : "Sophocles' Theban Plays"
• Analytical Essay # 129865 : "Memory in "The Theban Plays"
• Analytical Essay # 124217 : "The Theban Trilogy"

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