Let the tragedies begin.

What is a tragedy?

Tragedy is a specific form of drama based on human suffering. 

How did it come about?

The oldest surviving form of tragedy is Athenian tragedy.  This dance-drama was an important part of the city state’s culture.  Athenian tragedies were performed in the spring at a religious festival.  It was a contest between three playwrights whose works were performed on three consecutive days.  Each playwright had three tragedies and one comic piece.  Of the thousands of tragedies written, only one complete Athenian trilogy survives.

Who was Odeipus?

Odeipus is a mythical king of Thebes (Greek city state), who fulfills a prophecy to kill his father an marry his mother, bringing disaster on his family.  Obviously very tragic.

Odeipus the King-Thebes is plagued by disease and the people beg their king to solve the problem.  Like any good king, Odeipus vows to do so.  It is then stated by the oracle that Odeipus must find the murderer of King Laius.  He swears to do so.  Odeipus eventually realizes he is the murderer of King Laius, he just didn't know.  Odeipus’ crimes are revealed.  He rushes to the palace to find his mother/wife and she has killed herself.  He blinds himself and asks Creon to exile him from Thebes. 

Odeipus at Colonus-Odeipus has become a wanderer persued by Creon’s men.  Creon catches up and asks Odeipus to bless his son.  He curses his son and his brother, condemning them both to sudden death.  Odeipus dies.

Who was Antigone?

Antigone was the daughter of King Odeipus and his mother/wife. 

Why is she tragic?

Antigone searches for justice for her brother who became a traitor to Thebes.  It is a tragedy, so the reader should know she won't find it.  Instead, she resorts to burrying her brother herself.  King Creon catchers her and she is jailed.  Antigone then hangs herself.  Creon's son, who apparently loved Antigone, kills himself as well.  Creon's wife cannot bare the things her husband has caused and jumps on the suicide wagon (or chariot) as well. 

What genius wrote these?

Sophocles.  He is one of few Greek playwrights with surviving works.  He was the most celebrated writer in Athens for 50 years.  Out of over 100 works, sadly only seven have completely survived.