A Life Predetermined The Omnipotent Role of Fate in Sophocles's Three Theban Plays Fate is an oft debated concept. ... In Sophocles' Three Theban Plays, fate plays a crucial role in Theban and Athenian societies. ... However, soon this civil law is challenged when Tiresias, a Theban soothsayer warns the King that the gods disagree with his decision to defile the body of Oedipus's son. ... Fate is most noticeable in Oedipus the King. ... Sight and blindness is a motif throughout the plays, and plays a crucial role in the dramatic irony of Oedipus the King. ...

• Word Count: 964
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

In Sophocles" play Antigone we are faced with a simple conflict between Creon, king of Thebes, and his niece, Antigone. Although the conflict is clear and easy to understand on its surface, beneath the surface onlookers often become jaded as to which character, Creon or Antigone, Sophocles intended to portray this tragic play through. As the play begins, Antigone is alone in her beliefs. ... Creon enters the play and declares to the Theban elders that the state is supreme and that devotion to one's country outranks all other loyalties. ... (Antigone, ll. 823) He follows this up by saying...

• Word Count: 849
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

The Chorus then turns to the powerfully built Creon, king of Thebes. When he was younger, and Oedipus ruled, he was an art patron. The death of Oedipus and his sons bound him to the weary duties of rule. ... Oedipus, Antigone and Ismene's father, also had two sons, Eteocles and Polynices. ... The brothers killed each other in a duel, leaving Creon king. ...

• Word Count: 4678
• Approx Pages: 19
• Grade Level: High School