1.74k reviews for:

Oedipus Rex

Sophocles

3.57 AVERAGE


My girls, if you could only understand, I'd have so much to say. I'd like you pray for this: to live where time allows, and have a better life than the man who fathered you.

[not rated bc i've read it for a uni class]

all i'm going to say is that i am really enjoying reading theathre!! much more than i used to a few years ago!
challenging dark medium-paced
challenging funny mysterious tense fast-paced

freud ?? freud !!

I’ve read this in ap lit and obviously i liked the dramatic irony but i was so sick of it by the end of the play.

The story of Oedipus is a familiar (albeit bizarre) one and I went in unsure what to expect. The play blew me away. With classics like this, you expect the moment of "ah-ha!" when you recognize how a story impacts the culture you live in, even subconsciously. And I certainly had the moment more often than I expected.
But the story itself contains so much richness. Oedipus's initial helplessness, indignation, anger, denial, confusion...pain. It is quite raw and real. With the help of some really convenient timing, he brings his fate upon himself by continuing to push the matter when others want to drop it. He dismisses his wife's warning, threatens the shepherd who would spare him, and justifies himself until he can no longer.
I think I like [b:Antigone|7728|Antigone (The Theban Plays, #3)|Sophocles|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486701308l/7728._SY75_.jpg|1052210] better and yet this is objectively probably a better play. Very moving.

A surprisingly edgy translation with some really sharp lines--enjoyed this far more than anticipated!
mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

i love sophocles and i think i liked this so much in particular bc i knew the story already which is so helpful when reading greek myth. i also just think this is such a great story and i love the way that prophecy is always woven in with mythology