Sophocles Fact File Flashcards
1
Q
Dates active ?
A
496- 406
2
Q
Estimated plays produced ?
A
120
3
Q
Extant plays
A
7 out of an estimated 120
4
Q
What are some notable works of Sophocles ?
A
The Theban plays: Antigone, Kedipus the King and Oedipus at Colonos
5
Q
Signifcant stylist features of Sophocles ?
A
- credited with introducing a third actor on stage
- increased the number of of chorus members from twelve to fifteen
- made the set more atmospheric through enhancing the look of the skene
- preferred to use a series of unconnected plays
- reduced the role of the chorus in
Comparison to Aeyschlus - presents back story in a subtle manor that flows naturally within the narrative itself
6
Q
Biographical facts ?
A
- won at least eighteen contests and never came third
- pre eminent political figure in Athens serving as a General along side Pericles in 411
- play an important role in welcoming the new religious cults of the god Asclepius into Athens
7
Q
Other information ?
A
- a master of stagecraft and his skills in handling the structure and plot makes the play particularly appealing to modern tastes
- Aeschylus would do large prologues where a character narrates the back story however Sophocles conveys this information subtly
