Sophocles and Aristotle—Defining Tragedy

Chapter 6 of Shakespeare, Shamans, and Show Biz: An Impolite Guide to Theater History: “Sophocles and Aristotle⎯Defining Tragedy” begins with Sophocles’ contributions to Greek drama and the need to know, although not necessary to agree with, Aristotle’s Poetics. A discussion of The Poetics ensues with an examination of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus.