ABSTRACT
Staged in autumn 1678; the exact date of the first performance is unknown. It was staged by the Duke's Company at Dorset Garden. Oedipus: A Tragedy was published by Bentley and Magnes in 1679, and reprinted in 1682, 1687, 1692 and 1696. In the fifth and fourth centuries BC, Athens was the cultural centre of Greece, renowned for tragedians such as Sophocles and philosophers such as Socrates quickness of intellect, liveliness of imagination; apt association of thought and expression in writing. Greek tragedy was chanted; Socrates taught philosophy largely through spoken dialogues. Athenian audiences were vocal in their approval or disapproval of particular lines, as well as whole performances. The army of William of Orange engaged the French in a bloody and indecisive battle at Mons in August 1678. The London Gazette carried reports of the action which emphasized the bravery of the English contingent led by the Earl of Ossory.
