Reviews

*Note: I only read Oedipus Rex and Antigone, not Oedipus at Colonus.

There is literally nothing I could tell you about these plays that you don't already know from the thousands of books and movies that have referenced or been influenced by Oedipus ever since it was first performed. Four stars for overall story and dramatic themes, two stars because I didn't find it a very engaging or enjoyable read, averaged out to a nice three. Five stars for literary importance, though.

The self-fulfilling prophecy is one of my favourite plot devices, and Oedipus delivers a shockingly good one (and it's more than the fact that he bangs his mum, for those of you who haven't read it). Very complex and interesting. I also love the theme of destiny and free will (which are also explored further in Antigone).

Damn, did those Greeks love to torture their heroes.

gingerliss's review against another edition

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4.0

See my separate reviews of each of the plays.
On the whole: Loving the Greeks!

antoineroquentin's review against another edition

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1.0

scarred me for life Thanks

sihaame's review against another edition

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5.0

dear friend, only the gods can never age, the gods can never die. All else in the world almighty Time obliterates, crushes all to nothing.

just epic. it’s been a long time since a book left me feeling this way.

fate—the key word —you truly feel its suffocating force crushing down on every character. but what struck me most is how deeply devoted these characters are to the gods, even though the gods are the ones inflicting ruins and calamities upon them. they never question the divine will, never stop to wonder why the gods would curse them with such tragic fates.

this reveals something —if it tells us anything at all. one must either resign to the gods because there’s simply no other choice, or rebel against them but even then, rebellion only leads to death. either way, it’s a loss.

the contrast between the characters’ deeply human struggles and suffering and the gods’ indifferent schemes is astonishing. makes you feel the futility of fighting forces far beyond their control, as though they're just pawns in a cosmic game they can neither understand nor escape.

andreiasereia's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved loved loved Antigone!!!

tiaa_92's review against another edition

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challenging fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.25

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