Sophocles

4 summariesFiction

Sophocles was an ancient Greek tragedian, known as one of three from whom at least one play has survived in full. His first plays were written later than, or contemporary with, those of Aeschylus; and earlier than, or contemporary with, those of Euripides. Sophocles wrote over 120 plays, but only seven have survived in a complete form: Ajax, Antigone, Women of Trachis, Oedipus Rex, Electra, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus. For almost fifty years, Sophocles was the most celebrated playwright in the dramatic competitions of the city-state of Athens which took place during the religious festivals of the Lenaea and the Dionysia. He competed in thirty competitions, won twenty-four, and was never judged lower than second place. Aeschylus won thirteen competitions, and was sometimes defeated by Sophocles; Euripides won four.

Books by Sophocles

4 books available

Oedipus Rex
Sophocles
3.7 (171k) average on GoodreadsFiction
A king's relentless search for truth to save his city reveals the horrific prophecy he unknowingly fulfilled, uncovering his identity as both murderer and incestuous son.
Antigone
Sophocles
3.8 (17k) average on GoodreadsFiction
In a city under a family curse, Antigone defies a king's order to bury her brother, sparking a conflict between divine law and human power that destroys them all.
Women of Trachis
Sophocles
3.9 (3k) average on Goodreads
Deianira tries to win back Heracles's love with a supposed charm, but it turns out to be a poison that kills them both.
Philoctetes
Sophocles
Fiction
Stranded on a desolate island, the archer Philoctetes, betrayed and bitter, must choose between vengeance and the pleas of Odysseus and Neoptolemus to join the Trojan War, forcing him to confront his trauma, his friendships, and his destiny.