Drama · Audiobook read-along
Oedipus, King of Thebes
A king hunts the cause of a plague and uncovers a terrible truth about himself.
Reading Oedipus, King of Thebes in English
Best for: B2–C1 (Upper intermediate–Advanced), with read-along support
Reading it at your level: B2C1
This is E. F. Watling's readable translation of Sophocles's tragedy, set in ancient Thebes. Oedipus is a confident king who sets out to find the source of a plague and discovers, step by step, a truth about his own past that he cannot escape. The language is clear for a translation, but the structure — chorus, dialogue, messenger speeches — takes some getting used to.
What you'll practise
- Formal rhetorical questions and commands in dramatic dialogue
- Vocabulary of prophecy, fate, and royal court ceremony
- Following argument and counter-argument between two speakers
- Read along as each line is highlighted to catch the rhythm of speech
How to read it here: press play and follow the highlighted text as it's read aloud, and tap any word you don't know for a definition graded to your level. Start reading free →
Prefer a printout? Download the free companion PDF — the cover, your best-for level, what you'll practise, and the link back to read it along with audio. There's also a free key vocabulary PDF — the words from this book grouped by CEFR level, with definitions and examples.
New to reading along? How reading while listening works →
Common questions about reading Oedipus, King of Thebes
What level of English is Oedipus, King of Thebes best for?
Oedipus, King of Thebes suits B2–C1 (Upper intermediate–Advanced) learners. With read-along audio and tap-to-define vocabulary, you can read it a little above your comfort level without getting stuck.
Is Oedipus, King of Thebes free to read in English?
Yes. Oedipus, King of Thebes is free to read here with synced read-along narration — no signup and no payment.
Does Oedipus, King of Thebes come with audio?
Yes. Every book on The Reading Corner is narrated, with the words highlighting in time as you listen and every difficult word explained on tap — so you read and hear English together.
