#AthenianDrama

[tmarshconnors]

"All Men Make Mistakes, But A Good Man Yields When He Knows His Course Is Wrong, And Repairs The Evil. The Only Crime Is Pride."

Sophocles was an ancient Greek tragedian, known as one of three from whom at least one play has survived in full.

Prolific Playwright: Sophocles wrote over 120 plays, though only seven survive in their entirety today. His works include iconic tragedies such as Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and Electra, which remain cornerstones of ancient Greek literature.

Innovator in Greek Drama: Sophocles transformed Greek theatre by introducing a third actor on stage, allowing for more complex character interactions and dramatic conflicts. He also minimized the chorus's role, shifting focus to individual characters and their dilemmas.

Religious and Political Involvement: Aside from his literary achievements, Sophocles was active in Athenian public life. He served as a general alongside Pericles in the Samian War and later held a priestly role, reflecting his deep connection to the civic and religious life of Athens.

Explored Fate and Free Will: Sophocles’ plays often explore themes of fate, free will, and human suffering. In works like Oedipus Rex, he delves into the idea that one’s fate is inevitable, no matter how hard one might struggle against it, making his tragedies deeply philosophical.

Awards and Accolades: Sophocles was highly celebrated in his time, winning at least 18 first prizes in the City Dionysia, an annual dramatic competition in Athens. His success surpassed that of both Aeschylus and Euripides, cementing his reputation as a master of Greek tragedy.