How Well You Know Sophocles? Trivia Quiz

The correct answer is Ajax because Ajax is not part of the three Theban plays. The three Theban plays are Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and Oedipus Coloneus. Ajax is a tragedy written by Sophocles, but it does not belong to the trilogy of Theban plays.

Seven of Sophocles's plays survived. This means that out of all the plays he wrote, only seven have been preserved and are still available for us to read and study today. The fact that only a small number of his works survived could be due to various reasons, such as the loss or destruction of manuscripts over time. Nonetheless, these seven surviving plays are considered significant contributions to ancient Greek literature and theater.

Sophocles wrote 123 plays.

Sophocles was born in Colonus, which was a village located near Athens. This is significant because Sophocles was one of the most famous playwrights of ancient Greece, known for his tragedies such as Oedipus Rex and Antigone. Being born in Colonus, he was exposed to the cultural and intellectual atmosphere of Athens, which was a center of arts and philosophy during that time. This likely influenced his development as a playwright and contributed to his success in the theater.

Oedipus Coloneus is the correct answer because it was indeed published after Sophocles's death. This play was written by Sophocles towards the end of his life and was not performed until after his death in 406 BC. It is the final play in the Oedipus trilogy, following Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. The play explores themes of fate, redemption, and the power of prophecy.

Sophocles made the contribution of adding three chorus members and scenery to the dramas of the time. This means that he increased the number of performers in the chorus from the traditional two to three, and also introduced the use of scenery on stage. These additions would have enhanced the visual and auditory aspects of the performances, adding depth and complexity to the overall theatrical experience.

Sophocles was not directly involved in the Battle of Salamis, Battle of Plataea, or Battle of Aegospotami. The Sicilian Expedition, on the other hand, was a military campaign during the Peloponnesian War in which Sophocles participated as a general.

Sophocles's surviving works are known for their deep exploration of human character. His plays, such as "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone," delve into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Through his characters, Sophocles examines the flaws, virtues, and motivations that drive human behavior. This style of writing allows the audience to reflect on their own experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition. Therefore, the correct answer is "An exploration of Human Character."