Customer Reviews

Greek Tragedies, Volume 1

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There's no reason why these plays need to be randomly strewn throughout three different volumes. For example, why would someone split up Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone? They should all be a part of the same volume. These paperback books themselves are of decent quality and fairly priced, but some of the translations and introductions are 50 years old! There are more complete and organized collections available, some by the same editors of these books.

The product arrived two days after I purchased it, and in good condition. Thank you so much for shipping before I had to leave for college! I would definitely buy from this seller again.

Volume 1 contains Aechylus' Agamemnon and Prometheus Bound, Sophocles' Oedipus the King and Antigone, and Euripides' Hippolytus.

*The following has many spoilers*

Sophocles's Oedipus Rex and its sequel, Antigone, were two very fascinating tragic plays. The characters were compelling but so frustrating to read about at the same time. Sophocles was a master at dramatic irony and it was interesting to see how all of the characters fell into "Fate's" hands.

Although Antigone was written first, it was meant to be the sequel to Oedipus Rex. Oedipus is story about the fall of the King of Thebes and how his past of unknowingly killing his father and wedding his mother comes to haunt him. It is both sad and interesting to see how this ancient story is retold through Sophocles. And although Ancient Greek Tragedies were supposed to be cathartic for the audience, I cannot help but ponder about the hopelessness of fighting against Fate. For here was a man who was destined to kill his father and bed his mother even before he was born, but by his parents attempting to fight against Fate, they play right into Fate's hands. So is it his parent's fault? The Oracle that told the prophesy? Most likely it is because of Oedipus's fatal flaw, his hubris, or pride. The tragic flaw that brings everything full circle is Oedipus's own pride in his knowledge, wisdom, and valor. Although he has eyes, he fails to see. Only when he loses his sight, does he finally comprehend the gravity of his fate.

Antigone is what happens after Oedipus's exile. The second play is about Oedipus's daughter, Antigone, and the death of many people. Antigone is a wonderful heroine, albeit stupid at times. I admire her for her bravery and sense of noble duty, but if she were perhaps a bit more cunning and less bullheaded, the death of many may have been avoided. Or perhaps the blame lay on Creon for being so prideful and full of hubris, that he does not yield when he should have. Instead, he goes against the will of the gods and his entire family is punished.

Overall, Sophocles's tragedies were very interesting to read. They provide much insight on the human condition and is a must read for all avid bookworms, and even non-bookworms, out there.

Oedipus and Antigone prove to be two fantastic Greek tragedies. Sophocles' tragedies gave an interesting portrayal of Greek society during his era. What I anticipated to be a rather boring, and dry read, was actually an interesting and appealing play.

Oedipus was the first of the two tragedies that I read and I enjoyed it a great deal. The chanting of the chorus, to the development of the characters proved to be an interesting read. Oedipus was an interesting character to follow during the tragedy. From beginning to end, examining his hubris and demise proved to be a very interesting decline. It must have been a very morbid sight to see this play produced in the ancient Greek amphitheater. The irony of the play, the characters, everything was perfect representation of a Greek tragedy

Antigone was the second tragedy I read. Although I liked Oedipus better, this was also an extraordinary play. I found Antigone a powerful character in the tragedy. Greek society was portrayed as a rigid society and Antigone was caught in the midst of it all. It seems that the relationship between her and Creon was unhealthy. The demise of the characters in this play proved to be interesting and powerful. To die for something you feel is right is an issue that transcends time.

These two tragedies proved to be a fun, and interesting read. Like taking a snapshot of Greek society, reading this play made me comprehend the strict society and helped me understand the times. A must read!

I really liked this book. Antigone in particular. Although, it doesnt make sense how the three books by Sophocles were separated and only two are here, still the translators are great and clear.

Thank you for your prompt delivery, the book was in good condition and my daughter is using it for her classes

Lattimore does a good translation of several greek tragedies in this book. The book is great in terms of the stories that are presented, especially Oedipus the King. Oedipus is THE example of the perfect Greek tragedy. It is moving, ironic, and sad combined into a play. However, the same could not be said for Agamemnon; which is not only dull in reading, but also long and pointless in plot and storyline. Any sense of emotions and feeling is completly deprived in Aeschylus's play. Overall, it is a good book and reflects upon the early writers and their beliefs of tragedy.

I used this book for my mythology class. While the plays are interesting, they are also very simple.