An introduction to Sophocles

It is important to note that each of these surviving plays belongs to an original trilogy, the other two of which are now lost. The Antigone and the two Oedipus plays do not constitute an actual trilogy (though they are frequently and misleadingly thought of as such): the only ancient Greek trilogy to survive is Aeschylus’ Oresteia (458 BC). We have reason to think that the Antigone dates to 442, the Alcestis to 438 and the Oedipus at Colonus to 406/405 but we have no firm evidence for the dates of the other plays. Without complete evidence a complete understanding of Sophocles is impossible but we can study each of these plays carefully and think hard about the mythical tradition Greek drama depends on, the nature of Sophoclean drama and the exciting 5th century Athenian milieu in which it was produced.

It is advisable to bring your copy of a play to the class on the day appointed for that play but handouts of all passages for class discussion will be distributed.

Learning outcomes

1. an accurate understanding of the characters and plot of each of Sophocles’ plays;
2. a good understanding of the conventions of ancient Greek drama;
3. a good understanding of the context of ancient Greek drama, including its development and social function.