Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, is a tragic drama that portrays a great deal of irony. Oedipus, the protagonist, suffers a serious misfortune, which is significant because “the misfortune is logically connected with the hero's actions” (AbleMedia LLC). When the reader learns the background of Greek culture and the life of Sophocles, this tragic drama can become more alive and valuable. It is important to familiarize yourself with the author because it allows for a greater connection to the dialogue presented. Through the character development of Oedipus, one can see how ironic circumstances can transform a proud king into a tragic figure. Knowing the background of Greek culture and theater will help you better understand Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. The Greek tragedies of the 5th and 4th centuries BC that remain today were almost all written for performance in the Theater of Dionysus in Athens (Didaskalia, par. 1). This major annual festival held in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine, came about because of the "troubled relationship that the Greeks believed existed between the gods and humans" (Perseus Digital Library). Greek theatre, however, is different from our corporate theatre. The Athenian theater was financed by the Athenian state. It was an essential part of the Athenian religious festival: the Dionysia of the City (AbleMedia LLC). During this festival three tragic playwrights were chosen to present a tetralogy. A tetralogy is a group of four plays: three tragedies and a satirical play that are performed consecutively (Dictionary.com). The three tragic poets competed with each other while their efforts were evaluated by a panel of judges (AbleMedia LLC). This fundamental part of Greek culture led... middle of paper......to the History - Ancient Greece & Rome & Classics Research Guide. May 14, 2009 .Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Literature: An introduction to fiction, poetry, drama, and writing. Ed. XJ Kennedy and Dana Gioia. Compact 5th edition. New York: Longman, 2007. 887-924. "Definition of tetralogy | Definition of tetralogy at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com. May 14, 2009 "The Glory that was Greece." www.watson.org. May 15, 2009. “Thomas R. Martin, An Overview of Classical Greek History from Mycenae to Alexander, the Development of Athenian Tragedy.” Perseus digital library. May 14th 2009 .