In the passage “Oedipus King Sophocles” by David Grene. Sung by the chorus, I have selected to discuss line (718-719) “His words are wise, king, if one fears to fall. Those who are quick-tempered are not safe.” The chorus warns Oedipus to be careful of Creon, who argues he didn’t kill Laius the king. Oedipus blames Creon for trying to overthrow him and blames him for the death of Lauis. Creon disliked rumors being spread about him in the murder “I heard deadly words spread about me, that the king accuses me. I cannot take that from him.” (591-595) Oedipus started blaming everyone for the death of his father to take the guilt off his mind. The chorus is the citizens of Thebes who create suspense by foreshadowing upcoming events. The chorus is foreshadowing when warning Oedipus and readers that Creon should not be trusted. The chorus refers to eyes throughout the text that symbolizes being blind to the truth “I have no eyes to see” (608-610) Oedipus covered up that he killed king Lauis, married his mother, and blamed the murder on everyone. Oedipus was blinded by his truth but the blind prophet knew he committed the murder. In the end, Oedipus removes his eyes after finding the light and seeking the truth.
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One thought on “Shanice Brown Discussions 6”
Hi Shanice, I agree that the chorus foreshadows upcoming events before Oeduphis even has the chance to notice and at the same time i see the chorus telling the story like when you mentioned “warning Oeduphis and the readers” the chorus exposing the truth before Oeduphis notices. I also agree that the chorus mentioned “eyes” symbolizing that he’s blinding himself for the truth, he was blinded by his own truth, after trying to blame others Oeduphis only had himself to blame at the end.