Oedipus the King

by Sophocles
Oedipus the King cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Drama
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  • ID: 2404
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781416500339
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2005-07-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Sophocles' masterpiece, Oedipus the King, is a profound exploration of human destiny and the limits of human understanding. The play delves into the complexities of fate, free will, and the consequences of one's actions. /n/n Set in ancient Thebes, the story revolves around King Oedipus, who, in his quest to uncover the truth about his past, inadvertently brings about his own ruin. The play is renowned for its dramatic tension and the tragic hero's journey, making it a cornerstone of classical Greek drama.

Reviews
Hawk Eye · 2017-02-10
compelling 4.00

The play is commended for its engaging narrative and its ability to captivate modern audiences. It is seen as a compelling exploration of the tragic hero archetype.

The reviewer from Hawk Eye notes that Oedipus the King is far from boring, as some might expect from an ancient tragedy. They praise the play's engaging narrative and its ability to captivate modern audiences. The reviewer also highlights the play's exploration of the tragic hero archetype, which is seen as both compelling and relevant. They conclude that Oedipus the King is a must-read for anyone interested in classical literature.

Quick quotes

    Typically, high school students would assume an ancient tragedy would be boring and almost impossible to read, but Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

    The play's engaging narrative and its ability to captivate modern audiences.

    The play's exploration of the tragic hero archetype, which is seen as both compelling and relevant.

Eclectic Indulgence · 2012-05-10
profound 4.50

The play is praised for its timeless themes and the complexity of its protagonist. It is seen as a profound exploration of human nature and destiny.

The reviewer finds Sophocles' Oedipus the King to be a masterful exploration of human nature and the inevitability of fate. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the way the play delves into universal themes that remain relevant even today. The tragic hero, Oedipus, is particularly highlighted for his complexity and the way his actions drive the narrative forward. The reviewer also notes the play's enduring appeal, suggesting that it offers new insights with each reading.

Quick quotes

    Sophocles' Oedipus the King is a masterful exploration of human nature and the inevitability of fate.

    The tragic hero, Oedipus, is particularly highlighted for his complexity and the way his actions drive the narrative forward.

    The play's enduring appeal suggests that it offers new insights with each reading.

The Guardian · Charlotte Higgins · 2008-10-24
timeless 4.75

The play is celebrated for its timeless relevance and the way it offers new insights with each encounter. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient literature.

Charlotte Higgins from The Guardian highlights that Sophocles' Oedipus the King is a masterpiece that continues to offer something new with every reading. She appreciates the play's timeless relevance and its ability to engage audiences across different eras. Higgins also points out the play's complex themes and the way it challenges the audience's understanding of fate and free will. She concludes that Oedipus the King is a work of art that stands the test of time.

Quick quotes

    Like all the greatest plays in history, Sophocles's Oedipus the King is a masterpiece because on every encounter it offers us something new.

    The play's timeless relevance and its ability to engage audiences across different eras.

    Oedipus the King is a work of art that stands the test of time.

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