The Tragedies of Sophocles

By James Morwood

Subjects: Bristol Phoenix Press, Classical Studies and Ancient History

About the Book
Contents
Reviews
Author Biography

This book provides separate discussions of each of Sophocles’ seven plays: Ajax, Women of Trachis, Antigone, Oedipus the King, Electra, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus. It sets these between an essay that outlines modern approaches to Greek tragedy and a final chapter that spotlights a key moment in the reception of each work.

Focusing on the tragedies’ dramatic power and the challenges with which they confront an audience, Morwood refuses to confine them within a supposedly Sophoclean template. They are seven unique works, only alike in the fact that they are all major masterpieces.

‘This stimulating, slim volume works well both as an introduction to the seven tragedies and as a series of sharp, generous readings.’ (Plays International Magazine, December/January 2008/9)

‘The Tragedies of Sophocles provides a useful reference for both pupils and teachers studying the works of this tragedian. The writing style is lucid and accessible and sweeps the reader along in an enthusiastic examination of Sophocles’ purpose and message…it is a quick, yet informative read.’

‘…the very useful discussion of the individual plays makes this a worthwhile and valuable book, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it for both teachers and pupils.’ (Journal of Classics Teaching, 17, Summer 2009)

'D’une écriture claire et concise, il est aisément accessible aux non-spécialistes et ne suppose pas d’être initié à la langue grecque. Quant aux connoisseurs, ils apprécieront que soient posées les bonnes questions.' (L’Antiquité Classique, 79, 2010)

James Morwood was Head of Classics at Harrow and is Emeritus Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford. Among his many publications are The Plays of Euripides and the introduction to Gilbert Murray’s Euripides (published by Bristol Phoenix Press in 2005).

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2AHA

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Bristol Phoenix Press