1. Sophocles and Oedipus Rex

2. Sophocles, Master Dramatist
B496BC-D406BC
Most successful dramatist that ever presented plays at the festival of Dionysus
Wrote 123 plays, but only 7 remain in complete form
Famous for adding a third actor to drama

3. Sophocles’ Influential Life Experiences
Brutal war—Athens was at war for most of the fifth century B.C.
Democracy—Athenians believed that decrees and laws without consent of the citizens were symptoms of tyranny
Enlightenment—questioning of religious beliefs

4. Focus of Greek Drama
Subjects of Greek Drama were drawn from the literature and history of the past
Ancient myths were combined with the playwright’s beliefs about the human experience

5. Options…
Shall we study this play the “Greek” way or the “Modern” way?

6. The Modern Way
Oedipus “Rex” is leader of the city of Thebes when we meet him
His city suffers from famine and disease; his people come to him for help
A hero must help his people…

7. The Greek Way
Spoiler…