Antigone and other Tragedies: Antigone, Deianeira, Electra

One of the greatest dramatists of all time, Sophocles' plays are deeply disturbing and unpredictable, refusing to present firm answers to the questions of human existence. These three tragedies portray the extremes of human suffering and emotion, turning the heroic myths into supreme works of poetry and dramatic action. The verse translations convey the vitality of Sophocles' poetry and the vigor of the plays in performance, doing justice to both the sound of the poetry and the theatricality of the tragedies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Sophocles, a towering figure in the realm of drama, has left an indelible mark on artists and thinkers across centuries. His plays, characterized by their profound disturbance and unpredictability, refuse to offer straightforward answers to the profound questions of human existence. Instead, they relentlessly and open-endedly explore the complexities of the human condition, leaving audiences grappling with the ambiguities of life. Within these three tragedies, Sophocles vividly portrays the extremes of human suffering and emotion, transcending the realm of heroic myths and elevating them to supreme works of poetry and dramatic action.

Antigone's unwavering obsession with the dead, Creon's rigid inflexibility, Deianeira's jealous desperation, and the injustice witnessed by Hyllus are just a few examples of the pains and distortions that characterize Sophoclean tragedy. Yet, these tragedies do not succumb to cacophony or disgust or incoherence or silence. Instead, they bravely face the music, transforming the suffering into a coherent and harmonious symphony of music and poetry.

These exceptional verse translations, meticulously crafted by the author, capture the essence of Sophocles' poetry and the vitality of the plays in performance. They honor both the sound of the poetry and the theatricality of the tragedies, ensuring that audiences are fully immersed in the rich tapestry of Sophoclean's artistry. Each play is accompanied by an insightful introduction that provides valuable background information on topographical and mythical references, as well as an interpretation of the plays.

In conclusion, Sophocles stands as one of the greatest dramatists of all time, and his plays continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Through his profound exploration of human suffering and emotion, he has challenged the boundaries of drama and left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and provoke thought. These verse translations, faithful to the original text, offer a fresh and captivating perspective on Sophocles' masterpieces, allowing readers to experience the power and beauty of his plays in a new and profound way.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192806864