“560 He is sad and lonely, his feet that carry him far from the navel of earth;39 but its prophecies, ever living, flutter around his head. Strophe The augur40 has spread confusion, 565 terrible confusion; I do not approve what was said nor can I deny it. I do not know what to say; I am in a flutter of foreboding; 570 I never heard in the present nor past of a quarrel between the sons of Labdacus and Polybus, that I might bring as proof in attacking the popular fame 575 of Oedipus, seeking to take vengeance for undiscovered death in the line of Labdacus.”
I selected this passage from Odeipus the King because you truly feel the Chorus’ shock to the situation. The elders are confused and perplexed by the information Teiresias delivers. They don’t know what to believe.
“The augur40 has spread confusion, 565 terrible confusion; I do not approve what was said nor can I deny it.”
The Chorus want to remain loyal to their King but they are able to remain logical because they want to see the proof if it’s actually true. They handle the situation in such a logical way. They want vengeance to whoever is responsible for the killing of Laius. Oedpius is just as angry and confused about the information. In the passages just before this Odepius is getting angry with Teiresias but the prophet is just there to deliver the news, he means no harm but only wants for Odepius to see the irony of how he is blind to his actions. And although the prophet is blind he can see the truth. I was just as perplexed while reading the beginning of Odepius the King and can appreciate the art of Greek tragedies.
2 thoughts on “Jasmine Thompson Week 6 discussion”
Jasmine, the quote you post is so expressive, and your discussion of its impact on the Chorus is both cerebral and emotional. I’m struck by your comment that you are “just as perplexed” as the people of the city as you read the play.
I like how you described the Chorus passage. The way how the Chorus handled the situation was a very good honorable way and how it was brought to the king. Dealing with a king that is confused and angry to find out who killed Laius and everyone telling him different things would be very stressful to deal with.