Oedipus (Voltaire play)

Voltaire's Œdipe is a tragedy written by the French Enlightenment writer Voltaire, first performed in 1718. It is a retelling of the classic Oedipus myth, drawing heavily from Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. While retaining the core elements of the original story – Oedipus's unwitting patricide and incestuous marriage to his mother Jocasta – Voltaire's version offers several significant departures in characterization and thematic focus, reflecting the philosophical concerns of the Enlightenment.

Key differences from Sophocles include the addition of Philoctetes as a romantic rival to Oedipus for Jocasta's affections. Philoctetes is depicted as having rescued Jocasta from a monstrous sphinx, further complicating the relationships and introducing a theme of heroic rivalry absent in the Greek original. Voltaire's Œdipe is also characterized by a more critical and skeptical tone towards religious authority and the pronouncements of oracles. The play explores themes of fate, free will, and the corrupting influence of power, often questioning the justice of the gods and the validity of prophecies.

Voltaire's Œdipe was a major success, establishing him as a leading playwright in France. Its popularity stemmed not only from the enduring power of the Oedipus myth but also from Voltaire's skillful use of dramatic irony and his engagement with contemporary philosophical debates. The play remains an important example of Enlightenment tragedy and offers a compelling reinterpretation of a classic story through the lens of 18th-century rationalism and skepticism. Its significance lies in its examination of human nature, the limitations of knowledge, and the challenges of confronting one's destiny.