I chose the chorus in lines 471-474 which says “We look at this man’s words and yours, my king, and we find both have spoken them in anger. we need no angry words but only thought how we may best hit the god’s meaning to us.” in this point of the play Teiresias enters and Oedipus greets him by telling him how great he is and how his gift and knowledge would save them all. things quickly begin to get heated when Teiresias said he’ll just leave and save his energy for something that isn’t pointless. “What do you mean? You know of something but refuse to speak. Would you betray us and destroy the city” (lines 368-370) Oedipus believes that Teiresias knows something but is refusing to speak up. he feels as though he is betraying the whole country by not speaking up and it becomes evident that he is growing angry with Teiresias. before you know it it’s a full-blown argument. Oedipus said “For I would have you know
I think you were complotter31 of the deed and doer of the deed save in so far as for the actual killing. Had you had eyes I would have said alone you murdered him.” (lines 392-396) He calls Teiresias complotter, assuming that he is plotting against him and their country, and even goes as far as to say he could possibly be the murderer he is looking for. Teiresias said that Oedipus is the killer he has everyone looking for. his words would be pointless because no one would believe that Oedipus would be the killer when he’s the one leading the search. after all this back and forth between the two, the chorus feels as though the arguing is useless and their main focus should be to find the actual murderer rather than pointing fingers at each other.
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3 thoughts on “oedipus the king chorus analysis Genesis Romero”
Genesis, this is very well expressed. We see how very human the Chorus is as they watch the hostility escalate between Oedipus and Teiresias. As readers, we share the feeling that the men need to reel in their tempers and that their arguments are not helpful considering the larger problem in the city. We also see how quick to react Oedipus is when challenged by someone.
Same as mine. Oedipus calls for Teiresias, because Teiresias is a prophet and may know who is the murderer. Teiresias does not want to reveal it to Oedipus and refuse his request for help. Oedipus thinks Teiresias is apathetic, and does not want to save their land and show no love for their people. Teiresias does not want to do it because it will cause Oedipus’s rage and pain. Oedipus is sad and angry at Teiresias’s refusal and blame her on betrayal and destroying the city. Teiresias’s temper is provoked by Oedipus, because Oedipus accuses Teresa’s conspiracy. Teiresias eventually reveals that Oedipus is the murderer of the king. Rather, Oedipus is very proud and sees himself above any other, as he defeats the sphinx to save the city. In a dramatic irony, Oedipus mocks Teresa’s blindness when Oedipus is not aware of self situation to suffer from misfortune after this and he becomes blind later. The chorus describes the conflict between Oedipus and Teiresias when each side speaks emotionally. The chorus is unable to firmly believe in Teiresias’s prophecy as Oedipus is seem like a hero, a respected and powerful king to the people. The chorus hereby said they will hear it from the God.
Hi Genesis! Your explanation is very clear. You captured the argument between Oedipus and Tiresias. Even though Oedipus started to get angry and mock him, Tiresias still tried to shield Oedipus from his pain. It was not until he dragged it out of him that he discovered his fate.
Oedipus’s anger and fear is lead him to his fate and he caused the pain for the people around him.