I've just finished the first of the three plays contained in this book, "Antigone", so I thought I'd share my thoughts so far!

I really enjoyed Antigone, I found it super easy and interesting to read and a fascinating look at what a play from over a thousand years ago was like. I have read a few newer plays and a decent amount of Shakespeare, and I find it really cool to compare how the writing styles and genre have evolved over time.

The story itself is very interesting, tragic, and beautiful. I don't want to put any spoilers since I'm saving my actual analysis for my final review at the end of the book, but I found the way that the female characters are written (Antigone herself in particular) to be incredibly complex and engaging. I've read books from the last 20 years with less respectful and nuanced portrayals of women (which says more about some contemporary authors than it does ancient greece to be fair), and Sophocles has quickly become a feminist writing icon in my eyes lol. The plot is fast-paced but easy to follow, and as the characters' actions lead to their inevitable consequences, I found myself unable to stop reading.

Overall I just really really liked it! I'm wondering if there's anyone who knows a little more than I do about the historical context of when this play was written? I'm interested in how this portrayal of the women in the story compares to social norms of the time, and if I'm reading more feminism into the text than is actually intended to be present or not. Either way I want to learn any info I can! Looking forward to the next two plays, and can't wait to get to the end so I can write a full review.