The chorus, in “Oedipus the King” by David Grene, are an important role throughout the play. One passage by the chorus states ” One man may pass another in wisdom but I would never agree with those that find fault with king till I should see the word proved right beyond doubt. For once in visible from 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 by my mind.” This passage is from lines 583-592 of the play. The meaning behind these quotes is that the chorus is confused about the accusations of Oedipus. Since the chorus is loyal to the king they stand with him unless there is evidence that proves he’s guilty. But some members of the chorus can’t help to question the King’s innocence. They are conflicted with having faith in the gods and choosing to believe in reasoning.
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2 thoughts on “Anais Salcedo Discussion 6”
Hello Anais!
I think you chose a great passage, it greatly reflects on the loyalty of the majority of the citizens in the tragedy. They want to believe that their king is essentially good and would not intentionally harm his people or anyone else. This belief is completely understandable too, since the second you have a reason to fear the one ruling over the society you live in, you are stripped of all sense of security.
I can agree. The chorus represents those who stand for their leader even if their leader is accused of murder. From lines 758 – 775, reveal the chorus advocacies towards Oedipus “: He has been no silly child in the past. He is strong in his oath now. Spare him” later on, they began to pray of Oedipus innocence “: May the Sun God, kings of Gods, forbid! May I die without God’s blessing, without friends’ help, if I had any such thought? But my spirit is broken by my unhappiness for my wasting country, and this would but add troubles amongst ourselves to the other troubles.”