38 pages • 1 hour read
Oedipus Rex
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Book Brief
75
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Ancient Greece
Adult
18+ years
NP
Super Short Summary
In Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex, King Oedipus of Thebes seeks to end a devastating plague by solving the murder of the former king, Laius. Consulting oracles and prophets, Oedipus slowly unravels a horrific truth: he is the murderer of Laius and has unwittingly married his own mother, Jocasta, fulfilling a dire prophecy.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
222,625 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sophocles' Oedipus Rex is widely acclaimed for its masterful plot structure and psychological depth. Reviewers praise its exploration of fate and free will, as well as its complex characters, particularly Oedipus. However, some mention its dense language and challenging themes as potential drawbacks for modern readers. Overall, it remains a profound and influential work in literature.
Who Should Read Oedipus Rex?
Readers who enjoy complex psychological drama and tragic flaws, much like those found in Shakespeare’s Hamlet or Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, will appreciate Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. The play's exploration of fate, free will, and human suffering appeals to those interested in classical literature and philosophical inquiries.
222,625 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jocasta
Jocasta
The queen of Thebes and Oedipus’s wife, who plays a central role in the unfolding events. She is initially skeptical of prophecies that disrupt their lives.
Creon
Creon
Jocasta’s brother and Oedipus’s brother-in-law, who serves as a level-headed advisor. He becomes the next in line to rule Thebes.
Tiresias
Tiresias
A blind prophet with the ability to see the truth and communicate with the gods. He provides crucial guidance to the main characters.
Chorus
Chorus
The voice of the Theban people, offering reflections and background throughout the story. They serve to echo public sentiment and comment on the unfolding drama.
75
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Ancient Greece
Adult
18+ years
NP
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