Sophocles’ classic tragedy, Antigone, is the concluding act in the tragic saga of the cursed royal family of Thebes. Starting where Aeschylus’ The Seven Against Thebes left off, the story follows the heroic Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta and sister of Polynices, who defies the law of the newly crowned ruler Cleon to provide her brother with a proper burial. In doing so, Antigone chooses her duty to love, justice and the law of the gods over the temporal law. This morally and philosophically complex work continues to challenge readers and audiences to this day, making it one of the most provocative and influential works of Ancient Greek theater. With this new edition, discover why Antigone is a timeless classic that cannot be missed. This edition is based on the 1912 translation by Francis Storr (1839-1919). Sophocles (c. 497/6 – 406/5 BC) was one of the three great ancient Greek tragedians, along with Aeschylus and Euripides. Born in 496 B.C. in Colonus, a village near Athens, Sophocles was the son of a wealthy merchant. He was trained in the art of rhetoric by the great teacher Gorgias, and was also a skilled musician and athlete. Sophocles is best known for his contributions to the development of tragedy. He wrote over 120 plays, of which seven have survived intact. These are the Oedipus trilogy (Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone), Ajax, Electra, Trachinian Women, and Philoctetes. These plays are notable for their complex themes, such as the inevitability of fate, loyalty, fidelity, power and responsibility. Sophocles was a highly influential figure in the development of Greek theater, and his works are still performed and studied all over the world. He was awarded first prize in the City Dionysia, a prominent drama festival in Athens, 18 times. He was also an active politician and served as a general in the Peloponnesian War. Sophocles was also known for his dedication to the gods and his involvement in religious ceremonies. He died in 406 B.C., leaving behind a legacy of superbly crafted plays and a unique style of tragedy. He remains one of the most renowned playwrights in the Western world.