Publisher's Synopsis
Oedipus Tyrannus Or Swellfoot The Tyrant: A Tragedy, In Two Acts (1820) is a play written by the famous English Romantic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley. The play is a satirical retelling of the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex, but set in a contemporary political context. The play is divided into two acts and features a cast of characters that includes Oedipus, the king of Thebes, and Swellfoot, a pig who becomes the tyrant of a fictional country. The play explores themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Shelley uses the character of Swellfoot to satirize contemporary political figures and institutions, mocking their greed and incompetence. The play also features elements of Greek tragedy, including prophesies, curses, and the inevitable downfall of the tragic hero. Overall, Oedipus Tyrannus Or Swellfoot The Tyrant: A Tragedy, In Two Acts is a unique and thought-provoking work that blends classical Greek tragedy with contemporary political satire. It is a must-read for fans of Shelley's poetry and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of politics and literature.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
