“ Teiresias, you are versed in everything, things teachable and things not to be spoken, things of the heaven and earth-creeping things. You have no eyes but in your mind you know330 with what a plague our city is afflicted. My lord, in you alone we find a champion, in you alone on that can rescue us. Perhaps you have not heard the messengers, but Phoebus sent in answer to our sending 335 an oracle declaring that our freedom from this disease would only come when we should learn the names of those who killed King Laius, and kill them or expel them from our country.” Lines 327 – 339 The above quote is spoken by the Oedipus to Teiresias in Oedipus the King. This passage stands out to me because of the powerful language used to describe Teiresias’s knowledge and ability to help the city of Thebes. The Chorus acknowledges that Teiresias is knowledgeable about everything, including things that cannot be spoken of, which adds to his sense of mystery and power. Additionally, the use of phrases such as “earth-creeping things” and “plague our city is afflicted” create vivid and impactful imagery. The Chorus sees Teiresias as the only one who can rescue them from the plague, which adds a sense of urgency to the situation. The mention of Phoebus’s oracle and the need to find the killer of King Laius adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the plot, setting up the central conflict of the play. Overall, this passage showcases the Chorus’s ability to use language to set the scene and create tension, while also highlighting the power and knowledge of Teiresias.
Daily Archives: March 3, 2023
I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology, but not so much a fan of reading plays – not even Shakespeare. I always found it difficult to understand or follow what was going on. However, reading this piece, although I had to “get in a zone” when I began reading, had what we are speaking on…beautiful language. Lines 545 – 552 read: the doer of deeds that none dare name?Now is the time for him to runwith a stronger footthan Pegasusfor the child of Zeus leaps in arms upon himwith fire and the lightning bolt,and terribly close on his heelsare the Fates that never miss. These lines speak to a wrong that was committed before Oedipus’ reign. A wrong so vile, no one speaks of the name or names of the offender. The Chorus painted the image that now is the time for the wrong-doer to make haste because his consequences are catching up to him fast; but what good would that do? The Fates, or the Daughters of Death, never miss, so metaphorically, the offender would need to be swifter than Pegasus to outrun his fate, his consequences, This passage, albeit short, was filled with a visual of raw emotions and a simple but clear message. I saw this as saying you can’t outrun the past, or even saying whatever is done in the dark, will come to the light. The first line – “the doer of deeds that no one dare name”, spoke to the fear that is only cast amongst men, but by line 551, “and terribly close on his heels are the Fates that never miss”. it spoke to the power of the gods and consequences. The depth within those six lines captured my attention.
The passage that I have chosen from “Oedipus the King” is “First I call on you, Athene, deathless daughter of Zeus, and Artemis, Earth Upholder, who sits in the midst of the market place in the throne which men call Fame, and Phoebus, the Far Shooter, three averters of Fate, come to us now, if ever before, when ruin rushed upon the state, you drove destruction’s flame away out of our land”. (Lines 190- 194) This passage tells us about how the importance of religion and the believe in luck in the greek society.The greek people do believe that Gods do have a huge impacts on the during the lifetime of the people and they can interfear with it in either to benefit the human or to harm them.This passage also tells us about Hubris, which is a concept in which the humans that they are better than God and God does not have any effect on their lives, but they do turn to God during bad times or when they are facing troubles in life.
Oedipus saved the citizens of Thebes by answering the Sphinx’s riddle correctly, thereby becoming their king and now is referred to as their savior. The Chorus has had no doubt in the abilities of their king, yet after witnessing an argument between Oedipus and Teiresias, they no longer know who to trust. In lines 564 through 574, we see the prophet has now brought forward an attention to the King’s temper, of which the Chorus cannot deny, “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,” beautifully stating their new fear of now knowing what’s to come based on this new portrayal of their king. Do they trust their savior who has proven himself to be worthy or the prophet who speaks the word of their gods? However, the Chorus restates their faith in Oedipus in lines 578 through 591 by stating that no man shall be judged by another man with wise words from another, unless this “wisdom” is proved to be correct. “Truly Zeus and Apollo are wise and in human things all knowing; but amongst men there is no distinct judgment, between the prophetand 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 […]
“Oedipus the King” begins with King Oedipus discovering how to end the plagues that are currently upon Thebes. Creon comes with news from Apollo telling him they must kill the person who murdered a previous king named Laius. While Oedipus is trying to figure out who this person is, he is visited by Teisias who ultimately confuses Oedipus with his answer. After this interaction, the Chorus is now asking who the murderer is. A part of this section of the story that caught my attention with its vivid imagery is line 557-563: “In the savage forests he lurks and in the caverns like the mountain bull He is sad and lonely, his feet that carry him far from the navel of earth but its prophecies, ever living, flutter around his head.” I really enjoy the references to nature, and the simile comparing the murderer to a bull. The first three lines create a rich, dark imaginative setting. It is a clever way of calling this search for the murderer a hunt. I also like the personification of the earth, giving it a navel like it has a human form. This passage poetically captures the racing thoughts of who the murderer can be, which is a very perplexing subject at the moment to everyone except Teirsias.
Initially, the Chorus plays a significant role in “Oedipus the King”. The Chorus consists of the citizens in the town of Thebes and can be described best as background in a sense. However, the Chorus assists the reader into an immersive enviroment. The characters, emotions, and ideas are better described by the chorus, therefore allowing readers to understand and relate to0 the characters better. The purpose of the chorus is to convey deeper meaning of what other characters have to say/their emotions. For instance, according to the play, it states, “As you have held me to my oath, I speak: I neither killed the king nor can declare the killer; but since Phoebus set the quest it is his part to tell who the man is. Right; but to put compulsion on the Gods against their will—no man can do that. May I then say what I think second best”? (295-305) This passage is specifically portraying how the Chorus conveys its own ideas, as well as contribute and build off of others ideas. This keeps the play going smoothly and adds to the plot as the Chorus serves a purpose in the plot. The citizen, or chorus, asks Oedipus if they can share their opinions and ideas. Another main point is how the chorus is directly involved with the tragedy. The Chorus too is concerned and looking for the killer, further proving the point of their importance and h0ow the balance out the play. In addition, the Chorus had a mind of its own in a sense and not even Oedipus could tell how they really felt about his situation. To his surprise he wasn’t expecting them to feel angered by the situation, but turns out Oedipus was wrong and the citizens actually felt sorrowful and compassionate.
In the play “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles, the author uses “languages enhanced by varying beauties” referenced by Aristotle. Sophocles uses this sophisticated language throughout the whole play but it is most prevalent when the chorus made up of old men from the city of Thebes speak. A short passage that stood out to me can be found at line 1375 to 1385 when the chorus says, “…Luckless Oedipus, whom of all men I envy not at all.” Followed by, “In as much as he shot his bolt beyond the others and won the prize of happiness complete— O Zeus—and killed and reduced to nought the hooked taloned maid of the riddling speech, standing a tower against death for my land; hence he was called my king and hence was honored the highest of all honors; and hence he ruled in the great city of Thebes. But now whose tale is more miserable?” Who the people of Thebes once saw a light during dark times was revealed to be a man with a sick past and poor judgment. I enjoyed this passage because it shows that the residents of Thebes looked at Oedipus’s situation with pity rather than disgust and anger, contrary to what Oedipus thought.
While Oedipus showed his dedication from day one when he was praised for coming to save the city and free the citizens, it is stated in the story that “Oedipus is the greatest in all men’s eyes, here falling at your feet we all entreat you, find us some strength for rescue” (46-48). He had gained respect and was honored; the citizen had found reassurance and strength in him. Chorus 718-719 states, “his words are wise, king, if one fears to fall. Those who are quick of temper are not safe.” I have chosen this passage because the citizens’ voices speak of fear, justice for finding the killer, and loyalty to the King. But, because of anger, hot-tempered people tend to regret their behavior after the act has been committed because it was used before weighing options. Humans often don’t think before they act, and it’s natural, but our actions can devastate others; therefore, Oedipus must regain his calm and not let his emotions get the best of him.
