The Oedipus Cycle: Oedipus Rex / Oedipus at Colonus / Antigone by Sophocles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really depressing.
The major theme is that you can't avoid the fate of the gods, even if you try. The upside is, even if you draw a short straw, you can still be pious and reverent toward the gods, and wise and loving to your family.
Oedipus definitely drew a short straw. That doesn't mean his life was short, though. He lives a long life, and the last decade or so is all agony over his bizarre circumstance.
In part one we learn about that craziness. Key theme is the truth. The truth will come out. You need to seek it, even if it hurts.
In part two we see how Oedipus handles the sad truth, and how one tragedy leads on to another. His sons' rejection of him leads to his rejecting his sons.
In part three, the theme is wisdom and judgment needed in rulers. Creon doesn't have it, and it desolates his dearest loved ones. Ironically, in the tug-of-war between state and family interests, lack of judgment in state can wreak havoc in your family.
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