Oedipus the King tells the story of Oedipus, a man who becomes the king of Thebes, whilst in the process unwittingly fulfilling a prophecy that he would kill his father Laius and marry his mother Jocasta. The play is an example of classic tragedy, putting emphasis upon how Oedipus's own faults contribute to his downfall (as opposed to the portrayal of fate as the sole cause). Over the centuries, Oedipus the King has come to be regarded by many as the masterpiece of Greek tragedy.

Product Description: Oedipus the King tells the story of Oedipus, a man who becomes the king of Thebes, whilst in the process unwittingly fulfilling a prophecy that he would kill his father Laius and marry his mother Jocasta. The play is an example of classic tragedy, putting emphasis upon how Oedipus's own faults contribute to his downfall (as opposed to the portrayal of fate as the sole cause)...read more

Provides translations of four plays along with a general introduction and prefaces to each play.

This collection of "Greek Tragedy" is a representative selection of some of the greatest works from the classical period. Aeschylus' "Agamemnon" is the first play in the Oresteia trilogy. The work regards the homecoming of its titular character, where his wife, Clytemnestra, has been planning his murder. Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" is the first play in the Oedipus trilogy. It details the king's quest for retribution for the murder of the last king, whose killer has yet to be brought to justice. Euripides' "Medea" is probably the author's most famous work. It is the tale of a wife's vengance against her husband for leaving her. Aristophanes' "The Frogs," is the lone comedy of the group. It is the story of the god Dionysus, who travels to Hades to bring the playwright Euripides back from the dead. Lastly we have Aristotle's "Poetics," the world's first treatise on dramatic theory. This collection provides an introduction to the most significant Greek authors from classical antiquity. Their influence on literature cannot be understated as it would lay the foundation for all modern drama.

Features three plays of Euripides. Through their sheer range, daring innovation, flawed but eloquent characters and intriguing plots, these plays have shocked and stimulated audiences. The plays featured are 'Phoenician Women', 'The Bacchae', and 'The Rhesus'.

Athens of the fifth century B.C.E. represents one of the towering achievements of civilization. It is the crucible in which Western Civilization was given form. It created democracy: rule by the people. Of the three supreme tragedians of Classical Athens; Aeschylus, Sophokles and Euripides, Euripides (480's-406 B.C.E.) is the most modern. His people are no longer the heroes of Aeschylus, inspired by Homer and the Heroic world of war and warriors. Nor are they the more humanistic characters of Sophokles, who created men and women of grand moral integrity. Rather, Euripides' people are pyschologically drawn, they are frequently petty, conniving, and conflicted. In other words, they are like us. The plays included are: PHOENICIAN WOMEN ORESTÊS BAKKHAI IPHIGENEIA IN AULIS RHESOS

Follows the story of Agamemnon after he returns home to Argos at the end of the Trojan War.

Each volume in a collection of affordable, readable editions of some of the world's greatest works of literature features a chronology of the author's life and career, a concise introduction containing valuable background information, a timeline of significant events, an outline of key plot points and themes, detailed explanatory notes, critical analyses, discussion questions, and a list of recommended books and films.