Oedipus Rex [Paperback]

Sophocles (Author), William-Alan Landed (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0887342515 | ISBN-13: 978-0887342516 | Publication Date: January 1, 1993

'Sophocles, in a play that won only second prize, created a masterpiece that in the eyes of posterity has overshadowed every other achievement in the field of ancient drama. In it he played on certain latent terrors that are part of man's nature in all kinds of societies and at all epochs; terrors whose influence may pervade our lives in ways we scarcely guess ...' These words come from the Introduction to Dr Dawe's edition of Oedipus Rex. In an attempt to analyse why this play 'Has exercised such a powerful and long-lasting fascination on the human mind' Dr Dawe devotes his Introduction to an examination of the content of the story and to the technique displayed by Sophocles in the unfolding of the plot. The commentary deals authoritatively with problems of language and expression. This is an edition for classical scholars, undergraduates, and students in the upper forms of schools. The Introduction requires no knowledge of Greek and may be read by anyone interested in Greek literature and drama.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'I recommend the thoughtful introduction ... and laud the outrageous blend of hardest core philology and good humour that makes every page a joy to read. Dr Dawe has a merciless eye for nonsense in scholarly writing and an uncanny ability to turn a tragic Gestalt into a casual acquaintance.' William M. Calder III, The Classical Journal --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

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Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Players Press (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887342515
• ISBN-13: 978-0887342516
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,295,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Classics > Greek

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The irony of fate., June 12, 1999

By 

R. D. Allison ([e-mail]) (Gainesville, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oedipus Rex (Paperback)

"Oedipus the King" (or, "Oedipus Rex") is probably Sophocles' most famous work, first performed about 429 B. C. It should be required reading for every college Freshman (or High School student). As had been prophesied, Oedipus unknowingly kills his father, Laius, and unknowingly marries his own mother, Jocasta (or, Iocasta). The play has great use of irony. Jocasta recognizes the truth before Oedipus and tries to prevent him from finding out. The play has unsurpassed use of dramatic irony. The play inspires fear and pity in the audience for the hero. It has had a great influence on later authors.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oedipus Rex: A Dissertation on Human Behavior, March 2, 2000

By 

Reid Capalino (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sophocles: Oedipus Rex (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics) (Greek Edition) (Paperback)

Oedipus Rex is a timeless, masterpiece of a tragedy whose greatness and complexity far transcends the age in which it was written. Sophecles skillfully delves into the depths of human behavior, and discerns an acute knowledge of the components which compromise the human behavior which he is studying. Human desires, the human moral code, and the human sense of remorse are three of the facets of human behavior which Sophocles conveys to us through Oedipus in his rise to power and subsequent demise. Reading Oedipus Rex can not only provide a powerful and extraordinary literary experience, but can also pose an oppurtunity for examination and reflection regarding human behavior at large, and the behavior of one's self. After reading Oedipus, it is not difficult to understand why Aristotle proclaimed Sophocles' epic to be civilization's greatest work.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the classic play, November 12, 2000

By 

[e-mail] "[e-mail]" (Beaumont, tx USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Oedipus Rex (Paperback)

this is one of the best plays ever written, as well as one of the earliest. oedipus has become very much a part of our culture, and the oedipus plays should be required reading. fitzgerald and fitts did a wonderful job in the translation.