Classical Studies Publications
Title
The Poet at Colonus: Nightingales in Sophocles
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2001
Journal
Mnemosyne
Volume
54
Issue
6
First Page
646
Last Page
658
Abstract
The presence of the nightingales in Sophocles' Oedipus at Colonus evokes
associations of a long mythico-poetic tradition in which the nightingale is
known not only for her sweet song, but also for her association with lament,
arising from the tragic myth of Procne and Tereus. These associations
make the nightingale an important symbol of tragic poetry and its transformative
function, and their presence at Colonus reminds us that Sophocles
himself was born there.
Notes
Dr. Aara Suksi is currently a faculty member at The University of Western Ontario.