Kim Monson's Quote of the Day:
May 1, 2024

Sophocles, one of the most acclaimed playwrights of ancient Greece, significantly shaped classical Greek drama, particularly the development of its tragic form. Born around 497 BCE in Colonus, near Athens, he lived during a vibrant period of Athenian culture and political power. Sophocles’ career spanned over six decades, during which he wrote approximately 120 plays, though only seven survive in full today. These include his most famous works, “Oedipus Rex,” “Antigone,” and “Electra,” which explore themes of fate, divine justice, and moral integrity within the framework of complex family dynamics.

Sophocles introduced important innovations to the theatrical arts, notably increasing the number of actors from two to three, thereby expanding dramatic possibilities and character interactions. He also enhanced scene painting and made the chorus less central, focusing more on individual characters and their stories. His contributions to theater not only won him numerous dramatic competitions but also influenced subsequent generations of playwrights, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate in modern drama.