In the passage listed below, the chorus has just witnessed the argument between Oedipus and Teiresias the prophet. The have heard the prophecy that would ultimately destroy the reputation of Oedipus who is a hero to them. They adore Oedipus as their kind and savior, he solved the riddle of the Sphinx, he is at this time in the text trying to find the murder of the previous king. They cannot deny the accusations made by Teiresias either. This leaves them in a state of confusion and uncertainty. “I am in a flutter of foreboding”. They up until this point have had no reason to doubt the king. They question Teiresias’ wisdom, after all he’s only human. They will stand by their king unless some irrefutable proof is presented. The chorus is in a precarious position. Do they believe the hero or the prophet? Why would Teiresias lie? He was very confident in his accusations and did not want to say them at first. This point in the story is the beginning of the end of Oedipus’ glorious reputation.
Line 564 – 594
“The augur has spread confusion, 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; 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 of Oedipus, seeking to take vengeance for undiscovered death in the line of Labdacus.
Truly Zeus and Apollo are wise and in human things all knowing; but amongst men there is no distinct judgement, between the prophet and me which of us is right. One man may pass another in wisdom but I would never agree with those that find fault with the king till I should see the word proved right beyond doubt. For once in visible form the Sphinx came on him and all of us saw his wisdom and in that test he saved the city. So he will not be condemned in my mind.”
Page 8
-Oedipus The King
2 thoughts on “James Terry Discussion 6”
James, thank you once again for starting off the week’s discussion. Again, your post inspired me to change the prompt just a little bit. Your discussion of the confusion that ensues when the Chorus must decide whom to believe is very powerful. The passage contains compelling figurative language we can all relate to. “I am in a fluttering of foreboding” contains metaphor as well as alliteration, and leave the reader anxious about what may happen. We have all experienced this kind of dreadful “fluttering” at some point in our lives. Please be sure to include line numbers from the text so students can easily locate the passage.
Thank you for your feedback. I have updated my post with the associated line numbers.