Dramatic Irony

Sophocles was born in 495 B.C about a mile northwest of Athens. He was to become one of the great playwrights of the golden age. Sophocles father, Sophilles, was a wealthy merchant. Sophocles father was a rich man through the efforts of his slaves who were employed in various sorts of manufacturing. Sophocles would enjoy all the comforts of a thriving Greek empire. Consequently, the boy was educated as was customary for youths of aristocratic family, in dancing and music, coupled with gymnastic instruction. In fact, he was so conspicuous for his beauty of form and for his skill in dancing and music that he was chosen to lead the chorus of boys in the public celebration of the defeat of the Persians at Salamis.
Sophocles made his first appearance as a contending dramatist at the City Dionysian in 486 B.C. when he was twenty-eight years old, winning the victory over Aeschylus. From that time on he generally exhibited every other year and won in all eighteen victories at the City D...