Analysis Of Sophoclean Tragedy

The chapter by Scodel on Sophoclean Tragedy introduces the reader to the dynamic and catastrophic world (of what is left) of Sophocleans’ dramas. He introduces the writer, his tragedies, and all the elements that constitute the dramas. Scodel delves into the components Sophocles utilized to create the unique dramas and engaging characters. Scodel uses specific examples from various tragedies to convey the style, the tradition, and the portrayal of characters. Finally Scodel introduces Sophocles use of dramatic technique, and the ethical values displayed continuously within his tragedies. Sophocles once described as one of the best tragedians as well as “good tempered” and nice, lived a life under the public eye. Not only is he well known …show more content…
People who look up to the protagonist are hero-worshippers and those that show sympathy towards the central characters yet at the same instance realize the protagonists’ downfalls are pietists. The author claims, “The response of critics are heavily influenced by their own attitudes to authority, convention, and religion” (Scodel 235). He believes the mere differing of opinions between the two critic groups portrays the complexities of Sophocles various works. He also feels that the argument makes apparent some central issues within Sophocles’ works. Sophocles introduces circumstances where female characters struggle between the loyalty they have for their family and the suitable role they have in society. Sophocles’ tragedies also surround concepts such as, “...the boundaries between the will of the gods and human attempts to achieve their ends are unclear; in which central characters are in various ways isolated or displaced” (Gregory 235). The characters within Sophocles’ dramas react to any given situation in accordance with their own personality …show more content…
There is an emphasis placed on the realities the central characters are aware of and those that they are unaware of. Scodel mentions, “In all these plays, one character sees what another literally does not” Gregory 245). Dramatic effect and the emotionality of the performance are important elements in the dramas. In most Sophoclean dramas, characters will lie or not speak all together to create theatrical effects.
Finally certain continual ethical values pop up within Sophoclean Tragedy. Characters in Sophoclean Tragedy face ethical topics such as (dislike of) legalistic attitude towards religion, the treatment of human remains, and prolonged anguish of an individual. Sophocles pushes the audiences limits and ignites their imaginations to experience the state of the central characters while compelling the viewer to feel a certain