This
page was created by Amanda Lowery and Joshua Hedges, students of Professor
Siciliano in ENG 2040 (Spring 2003) at the College of Southern Maryland.
Welcome to Ancient Greek Drama, our
focus of the era: Sophocles. Sophocles along with a select few embarked on a
journey long ago to encompass human emotion in a dramatic form and display in
front of an audience. Little did they know what an impact their writing and
idealistic approach would have on the revolution of Drama.
The purpose of this resource page is to
encourage interest in the development of drama since its formation in ancient
Greece. Knowing the origin of modern theater is essential in appreciation of
the total evolution that theater has gone through. It all began a long time ago
in a barely civilized world with a unified group onstage and ideas just waiting
to be heard from some of the most historically impressionistic authors to date.
One of those authors was Sophocles.
Here on this resource page there are several different links leading to
biographical information about Sophocles. He wrote over 123 plays but only
about seven of those works have made it this far in time. The works that have
survived plus some of his poetry are also accessible through this resource
page.
The Literature Network:
<http://www.online-literature.com/sophocles/>
A look into the past of one of the
most crucial playwrights in history. The web site appears informative if not a
bit lacking in links to some other information, but it has been updated
recently.
Sophocles:
<http://www.beaconschool.org/~afernand/paper.html>
Literature Classics editing team created a brief biography of the epic poet and
author Sophocles. Though there is no information about how often the site is
updated but considering it is somewhat similar to an encyclopedia article the
guess would be that it is not updated often at all. The site also has links to
essays about Sophocles and numerous quotations.
Biography:
<http://oll.temple.edu/ih/IH51/Greeks/Sophocles/SophoclesBio.htm>
This site created by
Encarta:
<http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761554045>
The online Encarta encyclopedia team has published this article that not only
deals with the biography of Sophocles but a brief introduction to the history
of Greek theater as well. The site is designed conveniently with an information
bar on the left that provides more information on Greek Theater and a brief
synopsis for each link connecting to Sophocles.
Island of Freedom:
<http://www.island-of-freedom.com/SOPHOCLE.HTM>
Last updated in 1999 this site served as yet another biography discussing the
dense history of Sophocles’ literary roots. The page also provides links to
several other writers and artists that have had an impact on history. However,
as far as authority stands there have been web sites with better designs that
were able to give off the same information in a more tasteful manner.
Sophocles Database:
<http://www.theatredatabase.com/ancient/sophocles_001.html>
This site was in the textbook, Minute
History of the Drama, by Alice B. Forty and Herbert S. Kates. Its last
update was 2002. It goes into detail of Sophocles’ childhood and has many links
to other Sophocles and Oedipus related sites.
Museum of Art:
<http://www.vroma.org/~riley/sophocles/
> In 1998 Tom and Nan Riley put on display the statue of Sophocles. On the web
site in addition to this photo a brief biography of Sophocles is given.
Sophocles Biography:
<http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~loxias/sophocles.htm>
On this site, designed and
written by Andrew Wilson, an interesting background of Sophocles is explored.
There is mention of Sophocles’ father on this page and that is rarely discussed
in his other biographies. The page appears authoritative enough with links to
take the reader back to the Oedipus homepage.
Imagi-Nation:
<http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc1.htm>
The site was developed by an unknown design company in 2000. It highlights
certain moments in his life such as his military life, young dramatic career
and his life during the production of the Oedipus
trilogy.
Timeline:
<http://www.theatrehistory.com/ancient/sophocles002.html
> This chronological timeline of Sophocles’ life was originally published in
the early nineteen hundreds by E.H. Plumptre. It was put onto this web site in
addition to several of Sophocles’ work and Greek history in the year 2000.
AJAX:
<http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/ajax.html>:
One of the few surviving works by Sophocles available to download in text
version. There are also links to related web sites pertaining to Sophocles and
his other works. The Internet classics archive group put this play on the
Internet in 1994.
Electra:
<http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/electra.html>:
This is another play available to download. This is one of the lesser-known
plays by Sophocles and the material may not be as entertaining as some of his
better-known tragedies. Also includes links to other web sites related to the
subject material in addition to personal recommendations posted. Online since
1994.
Oedipus the King:
<http://www.bartleby.com/8/5/1.html>:
This page’s access to the Oedipus Rex play is separated into line sections so
that the whole play is not accessible at once. This is probably due to the fact
that is through Bartleby.com, a book purchasing website, as opposed to a site
that is dedicated to just displaying Sophocles’ famous play.
Oedipus at Colonus:
<http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Aabo%3Atlg%2C0011%2C007&query=1>
The notes on this page were from editor Sir Richard Jebb. This play follows
Oedipus after he learns the horrible knowledge of his deeds. He and his
daughter Antigone share an important bond that carries over into the third
installment of the trilogy.
Antigone:
<http://www.bartleby.com/8/6/1.html>:
This page is designed in the same fashion as the one for Oedipus the King. Both
plays are only accessible through line sections. However, there are several
useful links on the page connecting to biographic information on Sophocles as
well as some of the quotes he is attributed to having said or stated within his
plays.
<http://www.poetry-archive.com/s/sophocles.html>
This web site was designed in 2002 and serves as a compilation of several
different sources. However, the main focus is on the poems that Sophocles wrote
apart from his plays. To access these you simply click on the play you want to
read. At the bottom of the page there are links so one can access background
information on Sophocles and the formation of Greek Theater.
Full Works:
<http://www.mirror.org/books/gb.sophocles.html>
Numerous links to all of Sophocles’ online plays. Ken Roberts last revised the
page in 1999. Also has links to other online sites. The list provides a brief
synopsis about the play so that the reader is aware of what they are taking a
link to.
Pathguy:
<http://www.pathguy.com/oedipus.htm>
In depth look at the plays, the characters, the social implications and the
psychology that drives the plot. Site designer, Ed Friedlander MD, last revised
it in 1999. Placed under the works category because it explains the impact of
the Oedipus trilogy while dissecting the plot and characters.
Quotes
Familiar Quotations:
<http://www.bartleby.com/100/695.html>
On this page, John Bartlett (1820-1905) has chosen several powerful quotes from
several various Sophocles sources. Although there are not any quotes attributed
to Sophocles directly, they are drawn from his work so he is responsible for
them.
Quotations Page:
<http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes.php3?author=Sophocles>
Several quotes from Sophocles during various points in his life and career. The
Quotations Page Company designed the site in 1999. It embodies his
philosophical and logical demeanor.
Critical Perspectives
Oedipus Rex and Fate:
<http://www.literatureclassics.com/essays/283/
> On this Literature Classics site James Cox, a student, has written a
critical essay about Oedipus Rex and the intertwining of Ancient Greek belief
in fate. The site has been accessible since 1997 and was last updated in 2003.
Commentary on the Plays of Sophocles:
<http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?action=openPageViewer&docId=9523057>
This online questia library features commentary written by James C. Hogan in
which he discusses his critical perspective on Sophocles’ plays. The chapters
of the book are listed on the left-hand side and are labeled according to
subject material so it is easier to find what you want. This site was
incredibly useful in finding information on critical perspectives.
Reception of Greek Theater:
<http://duke.usask.ca/~porterj/abstracts/hazel.html>
Ruth Hazel writes about whether Greek tragedies are acceptable in current
cultural. She mentions the position of women in Antigone and several other
plays. This page is an abstract of the article she wrote but there is a link to
the article homepage, the summary was helpful in condensing the information.
Last modified on December 6, 2002.
Irony within Oedipus Rex:
<http://www.literatureclassics.com/essays/233/>
DaRabbitt, a student hose work is being carried by Literatureclassics.com, has
outlined the various aspects of irony within the play Oedipus Rex. Though the
dates of when it was last updated are not to be found it is probably an annual
updating web site done to refresh material.
Student Essays:
<http://www.literatureclassics.com/authors/Sophocles/#essays>
Essays from various college students critically analyzing Oedipus. The site has
been placed there since 1997 and was last updated in 2003. It also contains a
quote page.
The Glory that was Greece:
<http://www.watson.org/%7Eleigh/athens.html:>
This is an online resource page
for students created by Leigh T. Denault. This page gives an interesting and
informative background on the importance of theater in the social culture of
ancient Greece. Also mentions Sophocles in addition to several other
playwrights.
Ancient Greek Theater:
<http://anarchon.tripod.com/indexGREEKTH.html>
This online resource page was created by the Tripod members and was last
updated in November of 2000. On this page the background of Ancient Greek
Theater and its impact on Greek culture is explored as well as an in depth look
at how the development of tragedy and comedy affected the way theater was
accepted by the public.
Greek Origins:
<http://www.perspicacity.com/elactheatre/library/pedia/greek.htm#Tragedy>
The ELAC Theatre group designed this site in 1997. The page focuses mainly on
the foundation of Greek theatre and the formation of the cult of Dionysus that
led to eventual ceremonial performances and the evolution of today’s drama.
Greek Tragedies:
<http://www.ciudadseva.com/textos/estudios/edipo/edipo04.htm>
Bruce Faser gives a brief over view of Greek Tragedies. He explores the impact
and connection to modern theater. There wasn’t much additional information on
the site as far as links were concerned; there also was no last modified date.
Ancient Drama:
<http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Balcony/7634/ancient_drama.htm
> This web site, last revised in 1998, was designed by Edward R. Mergenthal,
Jr & South Jersey Productions. On this site the amount of actors introduced
by Sophocles and the movement from the chorus to individual characters is
evaluated. There aren’t many helpful links, but the information on the page was
useful.
History:
<http://www.perspicacity.com/elactheatre/library/pedia/greek.htm>
This site gives an in depth history of the foundations of ancient theatre. It
also gives brief histories of major events and playwrights. The ELAC Theatre
designed this site in 1997. The major events would be the annual celebrations
that first initiated theater as a form of entertainment during the worship
ceremonies.
Ancient Greek Theatre:
<http://www.crystalinks.com/greektheater.html>
The Crystalinks design team developed an ancient Greek Theatre web site. It was
last changed in 2000. It gives an overview of the major moments in Grecian
theatrical history. These were the moments that lead to the revolution in Greek
culture as far as drama was concerned.
The Actors:
<http://users.panafonet.gr/ekar/actors.html>
This page provides a brief
overview of the development of characters from the chorus. The discussions of
masks that the actors wore to express emotion are also touched upon. The page
was recently updated and was created by an Internet publishing team. There is
one graphic at the bottom of the page that depicts a scene involving the chorus
from Agamemnon.
Didaskalia:
<http://www.didaskalia.net/listings/listings.html> This site is dedicated to Ancient Greek plays and their
performances in modern society. This particular page allows access to
performance information as well as reviews and opinions involving the shows. No
authorship is given but the site was created in 2002.
Women in Greek Drama:
<http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/gwomen/gwomen.html>
This site was created by J. Marschke and was last revised on March 29, 2000. On
this page, many female characters in Greek tragedies are explored. In the
character analysis the women are outlined as far as their symbolism and what
they were able to accomplish in the play. Though only a few of the characters
were from Sophocles’ plays it relates to the background from which he came from
in his writing.
Dionyssiac Cult:
<http://users.panafonet.gr/ekar/cult.html>
This site tells who Dionysos was,
the God of fertility and wine, and his role in the development of Greek culture
in theater. The site was last updated in the beginning of 2003 and was worked
on by an Internet publishing team. It proved helpful in defining just how
important the Greeks held religion in the scheme of their everyday lives and
how religion began theater.
Psychoanalysis:
<http://www.human-nature.com/free-associations/emm.html>
Maria Migliavacca writes a psychoanalysis based on the characters and events of
Oedipus. It was last updated in June
1999. Freud did his elaboration as well but on this site the focus is on the
characters only and does not relate them to real life events.
Mythology:
<http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/ent/A0836390.html>
A mythological look at the events In Sophocles' play. This site was created by
the Fact Monster Internet Design Team and was last revised in 2000. It provided
a new perspective of Greek characters and helped in broadening the Greek
knowledge horizon.
Culture:
<http://www.temple.edu/classics/dramadir.html>
Dr. Robin Mitchell-Boyask created this site on ancient Greek culture and drama
styles. It was meant as an overview for her history class. It was last updated
in Sprig 2002. Extensive detail concerning ruins of ancient drama stages.
Art:
<http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Oedipus.html>
This web site is a change from all of the others. This site created by Carlos
Parada, features sculptures and paintings representing Oedipus, his family, and
his misfortunes. The site also has a rare family tree of Oedipus. The web site
was created on Sept. 18, 1997.
Theater of Dionysos:
<http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/Classes/US210/theater.html>
Bruce MacLennan includes a graphic image of how the ancient Greek theater of
Dionysos stood when in full constructed glory. There is also a picture of a
modern audience seated in the ruins. This page was last updated in September of
1999.
Dionysos at Athens:
<http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~lintott/theater.html>
This web site is strictly photographic images. The images are from high above
of the ruins and also one drawing of the original construction of the theater.
The images are from the U.T. classics library but there is no date or
authorship attached to either. The purpose of this site would be to show how
long of a way modern theaters have come compared to how actors used to perform.