The Seven Plays in English Verse

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

14484

Title

The Seven Plays in English Verse

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Lewis Campbell's metrical translation presents Sophocles' seven surviving tragedies, offering a profound exploration of fate, piety, and human suffering. This edition arranges the plays chronologically, guiding readers through the evolution of the poet's art from the early *Antigone* to the mature *Oedipus at Colonus*. With rich verse and insightful commentary, it reveals the enduring religious and moral depth of Greek drama.

Summary up to 500 words

Lewis Campbell's verse translation of Sophocles' seven extant plays offers a profound exploration of the tragic destinies of the House of Labdacus, arranged here according to their probable chronological production. The collection begins with *Antigone* (c. 445 B.C.), where the titular heroine defies King Creon's edict to bury her brother Polynices, highlighting the eternal conflict between state law and religious duty. The narrative expands to include the madness of Ajax in *AiAs*, the self-blinding of Oedipus in *King Oedipus*, and the vengeance of Electra in *Electra*. Campbell's translation captures the raw intensity of these emotions while preserving the structural integrity of the original Greek. A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to the final play, *Oedipus at Colonus*, likely written in the poet's old age. In this masterpiece, the blinded king finds redemption and a sacred burial place in Athens under the protection of Theseus. The plays are interspersed with a preface and notes that contextualize the works within the history of Greek tragedy. Campbell discusses the 'Hellenic spirit,' arguing that while Greek art is celebrated for its beauty, its literature possesses a deeper spiritual dimension. He posits that Greek tragedy is a religious art that awakens wonder concerning human life and admiration for nobility in the unfortunate. The collection serves as both a literary masterpiece and a historical document of Athenian culture. It preserves the voices of heroes who confront the 'dread strife of poor humanity's afflicted will' with nobility and reason. Through these dramas, Sophocles presents grand types of character who are creatures of flesh and blood, not merely imaginary ideals. The works illustrate the transition from simple nature-worship to the profound philosophical inquiries of the Periclean age, asserting the supreme worth of innocence, equity, and mercy. Ultimately, the volume stands as a testament to the enduring value of righteousness and faithfulness, offering a lesson of moderation and reasonableness that transcends its ancient origins.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14484.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg14484.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-08 13:34 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Drama