The function of Chorus In Oedipus The KinG

The function of Chorus In Oedipus The King

The Role of Chorus In Oedipus The King

Outline:

Introduction

Role of chorus in Athenian tragedy

Importance of Chorus in the play

Conclusion

Annotated bibliography

Introduction

In Greek plays, the role of the chorus invariably described complexity and depth to the play and the message it is trying to portray. However to say that the chorus hinders or impedes our comprehending of the play is a grievous inaccuracy (Chesney, 2009, 137-164). Just because an element adds to the complexity of the play, it does not inevitably signify that it would detract the audience's comprehending of the play. In this instance the opposite in factual of the chorus. The role of chorus as shown in Sophocles' Oedipus King actually extends our understanding of the play in that the chorus commentate on the action, analyse the meaning behind the actions. Which bring about a deeper and more intimate understanding of the characters and what drives them to act as they do, which equates to a deeper insight of the play (Hodge, 2006, 189-215).

Role of chorus in Athenian tragedy

In Oedipus the monarch, the chorus commentates and speculates on each major even that happens in the play. The chorus act as the people of Thebes in the play. In their prayer to the gods at the starting they interpret the setting in minutia “Beyond all telling, the city reeks with death in her roads, death-bringing. Non weeps and her children die, none by to pity mother at ever alter kneel(Hodge, 2006, 189-215).

When Teiresias discloses to us that it is Oedipus that is the cause of the plagues and he solely is the one that brings destruction to Thebes, we are shocked. As we glimpse Oedipus as an smart and kind man from the care and consideration that he shows the people of Thebes. So the chorus, seeing this dilemma tries to analyse the information that has been brought to light "Was there a quarrel between the house of Labdacus and the son of Polybus?" they ask. By speculating and commentating on the events that unfold in the play, the chorus leads us to ponder on what has just occurred within the play and to convey in new routes of considered that we might not have considered about. This adds to the complexity rather than of just watching as the play unfolds, we are drawn in to take part in finding out what has happened. We are integrated into the play, which adds to our enjoyment of the play(Pierpont, 2007, 70-79).

The chorus always described on the opinions of the general or mainstream public of the time. They inquiry and counsel the major characters according to these convictions and aim to serene, soothe the characters in their time of distress. They proceed as a kind of advisor to the charproceeders, this function they simplify the activity and the quickens the inapt and slow moving components of the ...