Reviews

I enjoyed reading King Oedipus for the first time but I felt a little bad for finding it amusing, as everyone knows how the play goes, so watching him slowly uncover the truth is rough. I liked Antigone, I thought it was more interesting than the second play, and I thought that she was noble to bury her brother, even knowing what it would cost her. Overall I think it would be better to see it performed, rather than read. I was also confused as to the translation of God singular? I will need to look into it.

flamepea's review against another edition

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3.0

“I have no desire to suffer twice in reality than in retrospect.”

Ironically the Oedipus cycle was nothing, really but suffering. These plays were interesting.. to say the least. I don’t have much to add that hasn’t been said before.

Is it just me who thinks Oedipus had no reason for guilt? Now the whole situation is complicated as hell and as we are studying the definition of six models of tragedy according to Aristotle it states “the main hero makes a mistake.” While the whole situation of killing your father and marrying your mother definitely is a mistake! I am definitely in no way endorsing incest, just that it would’ve happened in any alternative timeline. You cannot escape fate and he was left in the dark (to some extent.) I can understand wanting to live in exile because of the same but after all these years he still punishes himself?

Oedipus The King had the most action and felt more jointed. The cutting of all the action made me feel disconnected from the story and annoyed I had to hear summaries. I know this was due to the limits of how plays were first performed but it definitely hindered my reading experience.

Seperate reviews for Oedipus Rex and Antigone to come.

liewick's review against another edition

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dark sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Oedipus tells the classic and horrific tale of humanities lack of control and the powers of fate in the downfall of every individual. It is truly a haunting tale applicable to everyone in all times and places despite its ancient roots.

4 stars only because the classical translation was a bit too formal for me but it’s script format made it still accessible to read and understand.

Content Warnings

ryometal's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced

5.0

spam_jordz's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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