Oedipus at Colonus, a Greek tragedy by Sophocles, follows the aged and exiled Oedipus as he seeks refuge in Colonus, accompanied by his devoted daughter Antigone. Despite the opposition of Creon, the ruler of Thebes, Oedipus finds sanctuary in the sacred grove of the Eumenides and proclaims a prophecy foretelling the future greatness of Athens.
Best Structure for Oedipus at Colonus Plot Summary
Exposition (Prologue)
- Introduces Oedipus as an elderly blind man.
- He is banished from Thebes for unknowingly killing his father and marrying his mother.
- Accompanied by his daughters Antigone and Ismene, Oedipus arrives at Colonus, a sacred grove of the Eumenides (Furies).
Rising Action
- Encounter with Creon: Oedipus’ brother-in-law, Creon, arrives to arrest him and return him to Thebes.
- Intervention by Theseus: Oedipus appeals to Theseus, the king of Athens, for protection. Theseus agrees to grant him asylum.
- Arrival of Polyneices: Oedipus’ estranged son, Polyneices, arrives and begs his father’s forgiveness. Oedipus refuses, foretelling his son’s downfall.
Climax
- Oedipus undergoes a purification ritual, anointing himself with oil and sacrificing a lamb.
- The Eumenides call out to him, asking for his blessing.
- A thunderstorm erupts, signaling Oedipus’ imminent death.
Falling Action
- Oedipus bids farewell to his daughters and Theseus.
- He is led away by the Eumenides to a secret burial place.
Resolution (Epilogue)
- Antigone and Ismene mourn their father’s passing.
- Creon arrives to arrest them but is thwarted by Theseus.
Additional Notes:
- The play is interspersed with choral songs, expressing the chorus’s thoughts and emotions on the events unfolding.
- The play explores themes of fate, justice, and the search for redemption.
- Oedipus at Colonus is considered a sequel to Sophocles’ earlier play, Oedipus Rex.
Table Summary:
| Act | Scene | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Prologue | 1 | Exposition: Oedipus arrives at Colonus |
| Rising Action | 1-2 | Encounter with Creon, intervention by Theseus |
| 3-4 | Arrival of Polyneices, Oedipus’ refusal of forgiveness | |
| Climax | 5-6 | Purification ritual, thunderstorm, Oedipus’ death |
| Falling Action | 7 | Oedipus’ farewells, his departure with the Eumenides |
| Resolution | 8-10 | Mourning, Creon’s arrest attempt, Theseus’ intervention |
Question 1:
How does the plot of “Oedipus at Colonus” unfold?
Answer:
- Subject: The plot of “Oedipus at Colonus” unfolds as Oedipus, the exiled former king of Thebes, wanders to Colonus.
- Predicate: He arrives at the sacred grove of the Eumenides, where he is destined to die.
- Object: Oedipus seeks refuge and is granted a place by the king of Athens, Theseus.
Question 2:
What are the major conflicts in “Oedipus at Colonus”?
Answer:
- Subject: The major conflicts in “Oedipus at Colonus” include:
- Entity: Oedipus’ rivalry with his son, Polyneices
- Attribute: Oedipus’ desire for redemption and peace
- Value: The power struggle between Athens and Thebes
Question 3:
What is the significance of the chorus in “Oedipus at Colonus”?
Answer:
- Subject: The chorus in “Oedipus at Colonus” represents:
- Entity: The collective wisdom of the people
- Attribute: Their role as commentators on the action
- Value: Their support for Oedipus and their desire for justice
And there you have it, folks! Oedipus’s final days and the resolution of his tragic tale. It’s a bittersweet ending, leaving us with a sense of both closure and lingering sadness. Thanks for joining me on this literary journey. If you enjoyed this summary, be sure to check back for more captivating stories and discussions in the future. Until then, keep reading and exploring the wonders of literature!