Sophocles’ Theseus

SOPHOCLES' THESEUSDid Greek tragedy show 'increased responsiveness to the pressing social and political issues of the day to the benefit of the polis' in the final stages of the Peloponnesian War, after the Athenian defeat in Sicily in 413 B.C.? That is one of the questions which the organisers of this conference invite us to consider.One aspect of the topic which they highlight is whether 'by regularly promoting examples of public-spirited and capable figures of authority, Greek drama provided the people of Athens with a civic understanding of their own good' in this period.Under this heading, I will discuss the presentation of Theseus in Sophocles' last play, Oedipus at Colonus, produced by his homonymous grandson in 401 after the author's death in late 406.Theseus is unusual among major characters in Sophocles, in that he seems a paragon of virtue.This uncontroversial point scarcely needs illustration.Theseus treats the blind beggar Oedipus with respect, and makes good on his promise to protect him even though this involves him in a conflict with Thebes.Oedipus could not wish for a more attentive and amenable host, and repeatedly asks the gods to bless him.It is hard to think of any other character in late tragedy who is as unambiguously admirable. 1Moreover, Theseus is not just any character: he is the leader of Athens, and its most famous ruler during the heroic period.If Sophocles intended to I am grateful to Professor Alan Sommerstein for helpful comments.1 Markantonatos (2007) 90 describes him as 'well-versed in the exigencies of state-politics, wielding an irresistible divinely sanctioned power by the sheer force of unbending justice and by the unfailing display of sincere concern for wronged refugees.'According to Jebb (1900) xxvi, 'this typical Athenian is more than a walking king; he is a soldier bred in the school of adversity, loyal to gods and men, perfect in courtesy, but stern at need'

Physics · Byzantine Studies and History · Classical Antiquity Studies · Classical Philosophy and Thought

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• Theophrastus, Characters, 21. 6

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• Theseus, Tragedy and the Athenian Empire

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