Critical Archive

Critical Overview

Sophocles' plays are distinguished by subtle plots which are infused with a sense of tragic inevitablity. Unlike earlier tragedians, Sophocles created psychologically complex characters rather than exaggerated actions and extreme situations. Sophocles's plays form the foundation of modern tragedy and have been carefully studied by almost every dramatist and critic since that time. Some critical approaches to consider include:

Psychological Criticism:

Freud's term "Oedipus complex" is one of psychology's most familiar theories. There are ample opportunities for analysis using a psychological approach.

Cultural and Historical Criticism:

Because his characters are so complex, it is interesting to examine the social and cultural forces at work in Sophocles's dramas.

Gender Criticism:

As an extension of both cultural and psychological criticism, the tragedies include many examples and variations of gender roles.

Critical Articles

From The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud (first published in Vienna in 1900)

Freud on the lasting appeal of Oedipus Rex.

From The Birth of Tragedy by Friedrich Nietzsche (translated by Francis Golffing, 1956)

Nietzsche on the triple fate of Oedipus.

Additional Resources: The eighth edition of Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama includes in-depth critical analysis of Sophocles's work by Robert Fitzgerald, Aristotle, Sigmund Freud, E. R. Dodds, A. E. Haigh, and Patricia M. Lines. Please refer to your textbook.

The Bibliography includes an extended list of writings about Sophocles. Continue your Web Explorations by visiting Sophocles Links.

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