I finish Sophocles' Oedipus the King by 9 a.m. This is the first play by Sophocles that I have read. It is very strong, but I was surprised at its short length. I assume this must be one of three plays that would have consituted a day's entertainment at the Festival of Dionysus. This was a 3-day festival where each day three tragedies and a comedy were presented as part of an annual competition. The version I read was based on an "acting version" for the series of film based lessons performed by the Stratford Shakesperian Festival Company of Canada in 1959. (I wonder if these films are still available?).

Here are a few quotes that I liked:

• ... if you think stubborness deprived of intelligence is a worthwhile possession, you are out of your mind (p. 36)
• I don't know. And when I don't understand, I keep silent. (p. 38)
• ... time alone reveals the just man - the unjust you can recognize in one short day. (p. 41)
• Those calamities we inflict on ourselves are those which cause the most pain. (p. 91)
• everything is good in its proper place and time (p. 106)
• It is not my habit to say what I don't mean (p. 107)