• Soham Das

Oedipus Tyrannos is one of the most celebrated and controversial plays of all times. Sophocles wrote the play in 5th century Athens with a probable reflection of the then socio-political scenario. Multiple elements in Oedipus Tyrannos including the shrine at Delphi, the deadly plague, the position of a leading citizen as the ruler etc. had their basis in that period. Oedipus Tyrannos shows a heavy presence of rites and rituals prevalent during those times. The playwright must have been sufficiently influenced by his immediate surroundings and the pressing issues of his age. Religion and society have a deep impact on the literary works of any age. Within the play, one may also read the ancient Greek manifestation and conceptualization of the oikos (οἶκος) and polis (πολις). The character of King Oedipus and his power may be studied in the context of the polis of Athens. This research paper aims to put the play in the 5th century BC perspective. It ventures to portray that the backdrop of the play is essentially based on the then prevailing conditions. It also aims to show the modification of the ancient Theban myth according to the socio-economic and political scenario of Sophocles’ age. Documentary research as well as textual analysis has been adopted as the principal methodology of this research paper.

5th century BC, Greece, Oedipus Tyrannos, Sophocles.

"Oedipus Tyrannos : In the context of 5th Century Greece", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 3, page no.84-86, March-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRAL06019.pdf

"Oedipus Tyrannos : In the context of 5th Century Greece", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 3, page no. pp84-86, March-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRAL06019.pdf