32 pages • 1 hour read
Oedipus
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
42
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Ancient Greece
60
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Oedipus by Seneca follows King Oedipus of Thebes as he attempts to save his city from a devastating plague. Learning from the Oracle at Delphi, he discovers that the plague is a result of his unknown patricide and incest, fulfilling a prophecy foretold at his birth. Determined to uncover the truth, he summons the prophet Tiresias and eventually realizes his guilt. Consequently, Oedipus blinds himself and Jocasta dies.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Seneca’s Oedipus offers a gripping retelling of the Greek tragedy with intense emotional depth and philosophical insights. Praised for its eloquent language and moral complexity, it is occasionally critiqued for its verbosity and deviations from Sophocles’ original plot structure. A compelling read for those interested in Roman adaptations of Greek classics.
Who Should Read Oedipus?
Lovers of classical literature and ancient drama will relish Seneca's Oedipus. Fans of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Euripides' works will appreciate the play's intense exploration of fate and human nature, making it ideal for readers who enjoy deep philosophical themes and tragic storytelling akin to Shakespearean tragedies.
465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jocasta
Jocasta
Jocasta is Oedipus's wife and mother, and she plays a significant role in aiding Oedipus with her insights into their past. She shifts from a strong Roman queen to a more emotional figure as revelations unfold.
Creon
Creon
Creon, the brother of Jocasta and adviser to Oedipus, is depicted as a loyal counselor who hesitates to reveal harsh truths to Oedipus. His actions are pivotal in steering Oedipus towards discovering his fate.
42
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Ancient Greece
60
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.