It's hard (impossible) to write a review about a text so foreignly old, but after everyone telling me to skip this one, I was surprised how much I liked it. Having finished the "Theban Trilogy" now, I understand why people are less than enthusiastic about this one. Compared to Oedipus Rex and Antigone, this play is not so flashy; very little happens (even famously off stage), and ultimately we're left with a meditation on familial bonds, civic virtues, and redemption.

Oedipus at Colonus is a weird tragedy in that the climax of the play is not really tragic. I even hesitate to call this play a tragedy: yes, some machinations of fate are at play, and yes, Polynices' obstinacy to go to his death are sad, but the story here is of Oedipus and his fate to die in glory with the gods. The scene itself (as related to us) is interesting too: Oedipus is practically assumed as later Christians would call it, and I'm interested to read what scholars have to say about such a supernatural ending to such a earthy tradition.

Anyways, this play has so many beautiful choral songs/poetry and is generally quite introspective as to the physical beauty of life and the natural lifecycle of death. I finished it and honestly had to take a Greek theatre break for a few days, just too many feelings! ( )

Fall 2018, Teacher Read:

My Seniors are doing Oedipus, and my Sophomores are doing Antigone, and it seemed fitting that I should read the whole Theban Trilogy again since my daily life is half-immersed within it currently. I, honestly, couldn't remember if I had to read this one in college or not.

I know I didn't read it before then, and so I decided to read the middle play this year. As Oedipus falls, Theseus and Oedipus's son rise, while his daughters take a slowly greater role. I can't help laughing a little that Oedipus' death is off screen and basically a 'miracle we can not speak of.' ( )

خوب بود اما نه مثل ادیپ شهریار! در حد خودش خوب بود. ( )

Many incredible moments and speeches in this play - not at least the last final "farewell" from Oedipus ( )

Oedipus at Colonus

The final chapter of the Theban Plays opens with old, weathered Oedipus arriving just outside of glorious Athens. Alongside him is his faithful daughter Antigone, who has been his guiding eyes ever since he took his own years ago. They end their trip directly in front of a sacred forest, where the Furies are worshipped. This is the site of Oepidus' final resting place, according to the prophecy that was told to him. He has been searching for this very spot for many years.

Multiple characters come on the scene and this is where the audience witnesses the fierceness and cutting anger that stirs inside Oedipus' heart. He has a good amount of indignation pent up after so many years, and his words come in the form of daggers which strike and stab his own son Polynices and his brother-in-law/uncle Creon. He doesn't hold back.

I found this play exciting and enthralling. The monologues were great and full of energy. The ending itself was great, with one of the most powerful gods letting his presence known. I enjoyed Oedipus the King greatly, and Oedipus at Colonus is a close second. Antigone was okay, but I have to reread it and see how I feel afterwards. ( )