719 CHORUS: Perhaps it was a sudden gust of anger
720 that forced that insult from him, and no judgment.
In this passage, the Chorus is responding to Creon’s decree that he has heard “deadly words spread” about him by the king; he has been accused of treason. Rightfully upset, Creon feels this charge is unfair and is set out on clearing his name. He says, “I do not
want to live on with the burden of such a scandal on me” (Sophocles, lines 596-598). It’s clear in this line that Creon takes this accusation very seriously and does not want to live with such accusations attached to his character. In the passage I’ve chosen, the Chorus is unsure about whose side they’re on in this conflict. They’re giving Oedipus the benefit of the doubt in his accusation of Creon. I think that the reason why Chorus will not choose a side is because they are worried about backing the wrong horse and making enemies, so they remain neutral.
2 thoughts on “Diara Newell Discussion Board 2- King Oedipus”
Hi Diara!
I really like how you broke down the chorus lines and explicitly explained the chorus thoughts and feelings. Creon indeed did not want people to think bad of him and so he took the accusations made to him very seriously. I do agree with how you stated that the chorus did not want to pick sides. At this point, the chorus is filled with a lot of doubt and fear, so they decided to stay neutral.
Creon, like anyone whose name is scandaled would be upset and seek to clear their name. The Chorus however, seems to change their positions as more evidence becomes available. The Chorus relies on information that is given and discusses and makes their own opinions about the matters. They seem to stay more to King Oedipus’s side since Creon has not presented his side of the argument as yet.