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Oedipus the King

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Oedipus the King, Sophocles' greatest tragedy, follows the relentless quest of Theban King Oedipus to uncover the truth about his origins. Despite his efforts, he discovers that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother, a revelation that has fascinated audiences since its first Athenian performance in the 420s BC.
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This edition, featuring Don Taylor's poetic translation and insightful commentary by Angie Varakis, is ideal for students and enthusiasts of classical literature, drama, and those interested in the foundations of Western theatrical tradition.

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A Student Edition of Sophocles' greatest tragedy in Don Taylor's acclaimed translation. With full commentary, notes and questions for further study this is the perfect edition for every student of drama, literature and classics.

A Student Edition with a full commentary, plot synopsis, review of the play in performance, chronology, notes on individual words and phrases and questions for further studyA set text for the WJEC Drama and Theatre GCE 2007 (Module: Texts in Context); WJEC English Literature GCE 2009 (Module: Shakespeare and Poetry in Context); and CCEA English Literature GCE (Module: Drama)Timed to coincide with a new production of Oedipus the King at the National Theatre, with Ralph Fiennes in the lead role, which will then tour in autumn 2008The perfect edition for students of Drama, Literature and Classics, featuring introductory and study materialPresented in Don Taylor's acclaimed translation that has a timeless appeal and was made for a BBC TV production of the Theban Plays in 1986

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Since it was first performed in Athens in the 420s BC, Oedipus the King has been widely regarded as Sophocles' greatest tragedy and one of the foundation stones of western drama. Taken as a model by Aristotle in his Poetics, it became a yardstick for future generations. Since the play's rediscovery in the Renaissance, audiencesβ€”including Sigmund Freudβ€”have found new interpretations and meanings in Sophocles' portrayal of the Theban king, inexorably pursuing the truth, only to discover that he has killed his father and married his mother.

This translation by Don Taylor, accurate yet poetic, was made for a BBC TV production of the Theban Plays in 1986, which he also directed. Commentary and notes by Angie Varakis.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780713686760

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 February 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Dr Angie Varakis
  • Translated by Don Taylor
  • Edited by Dr Angie Varakis
  • Translated by Nicholas Rudall

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 118g

Pages: 128

About the Author

Sophocles (496-406 BC) lived through the greater part of the long struggle with Sparta and died a few months after Euripides. He is credited with developing the tragic form and his surviving tragedies are masterpieces of construction. Methuen Drama publishes two volumes of his plays.

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