Play: Oedipus at Colonus

Introduction
"Oedipus at Colonus" is a play composed by the old Greek playwright Sophocles in 401 BC. It is the 2nd play in a trilogy that takes care of the terrible life of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes. The very first play, "Oedipus Rex", tells the story of Oedipus' exploration that he has actually unwittingly killed his daddy as well as wed his mommy, and also his succeeding self-exile. "Oedipus at Colonus" happens near the end of Oedipus' life, when he is seeking a last area of rest in the city of Colonus, near Athens. The 3rd play, "Antigone", deals with the aftermath of Oedipus' death and the battle for power in Thebes.

Plot Summary
The play starts with the blind and also senior Oedipus coming to the village of Colonus, gone along with by his dedicated little girl Antigone. Oedipus has actually strayed from location to place because being exiled from Thebes, as well as currently wants to discover a place where he can ultimately relax. He is attracted to Colonus because of an ancient prophecy that has stated he will inevitably discover a relaxed and also mystical resting place there.

Upon getting here in Colonus, Oedipus as well as Antigone run into a local person, who informs them that they are trespassing on sacred ground, committed to the powerful and also vengeful god Poseidon as well as the Furies, as well as they need to leave quickly. The person additionally informs them that the people of Colonus have come across the horrible curse bordering Oedipus as well as would certainly not invite him in their city. Oedipus asks for mercy and also requests support from Theseus, the king of Athens, who he thinks will certainly help him find the haven he looks for.

Theseus shows up as well as listens compassionately to Oedipus' story, having heard of his heartbreaking past. The Athenian king makes a decision to give Oedipus sanctuary, in spite of the issues of the residents and the prospective dangers of angering neighboring ruler of Thebes. Theseus is convinced that Oedipus' fate is the result of magnificent treatment, rather than any misdeed on Oedipus' part, and that his existence in Colonus might eventually bring some advantage to Athens.

As information of Oedipus' arrival in Colonus spreads, a number of characters from his past concerned face him. Initially, his estranged kid Polyneices arrives to request his daddy's mercy and support in his own battle for power against Eteocles, his bro as well as existing king of Thebes. Oedipus severely denounces Polyneices and states that neither sibling will ever rule Thebes again, and that they will pass away at each various other's hands in battle.

Next, his various other child Ismene appears, bringing him news that Thebes is preparing to forcibly remove him from Colonus, and that the people of Thebes believe his contaminated visibility and also prospective blessings will inevitably bring damage to their enemies. Oedipus is devastated by this news, yet remains unfaltering in his decision to remain in Colonus.

Resolution and also Themes
The play's climax comes when Theseus gets word that a group of Theban soldiers has actually gotten here to abduct Oedipus and bring him back to their city. Theseus interferes, successfully defeating and rejecting the soldiers, ensuring that Oedipus can remain in Colonus.

As the play ends, Oedipus' life draws to an end. He is assisted by a magnificent presence to the spot where the gods have actually announced he will locate everlasting remainder, far from the spying eyes of mortal guys. He passes away with only Theseus as a witness, and also the king is sworn to never ever expose the area of Oedipus' tomb, to ensure that the power it holds will be scheduled for the benefit of Athens alone.

"Oedipus at Colonus" explores themes of destiny, magnificent justice, commitment, and also the mysteries surrounding fatality. With the unfortunate figure of Oedipus, Sophocles concerns the concept of regret as well as innocence, along with the possible redemptive power of suffering, and what constitutes a great, noble, as well as purposeful life. Inevitably, in spite of Oedipus' heartbreaking life, his eventual serene death under the advice of the gods in a sanctuary functions as an enthusiastic testimony to the possibility of discovering redemption and also peace among fantastic suffering.