Oedipus Rex Analysis Essay - 1739 Words

The chorus play an important role throughout the play, they not only set up various scenes, but they represent the collective moods and feelings that are supposed to be felt at the time. When the chorus mourns, the audience mourn. They are also the voice of reason, clarity and sense, attributes to which we cannot associate with Oedipus. And so they play a vital role, connecting his actions back to the play. A way to describe the chorus, would be that theyre the collective conscious of ‘the people of Thebes, but they also act as guardians. For although they are seen appealing to Oedipus to help them, they in turn have to help the king, they represent the faith that the city has in him. The chorus appears mainly in sections of the play in†¦show more content†¦A man, who believes himself to be in total control and on the edge of supreme knowledge, doesnt know the one thing that defines him. And yet he seeks it so eagerly so to reveal the problems that elude him, even though they will lead to his downfall. With each step he takes towards the truth he buries himself deeper into the mystery while at the same time burying himself into a metaphorical grave. Creon enters and questions the people around him if it is true that Oedipus had slanderously accused him. The Chorus tries to act as mediator, but Oedipus emerges and charges Creon with treason. Creon argues for his innocence but Oedipus refuses to listen. This highlights Oedipus obstinate behaviour, he refuses to contemplate fallibility, as he assumes his own absolute knowledge, and that he knows that Creon is wrong even without evidence. They continue to fight until Jocasta emerges. They explain the nature of their argument to Jocasta, who begs Oedipus to believe Creon. The Chorus also begs Oedipus to be flexible, and Oedipus reluctantly concedes and allows Creon to continue. Jocasta asks Oedipus why he is so upset and he explains to her what Teiresias prophesied. Jocasta consoles him by telling him that there is no truth in soothsaying, and she has proof. She tells that an oracle told Laius that his own son would kill him, so as a preventative he and Jocasta gave their infant son to a shepherd, to leave out on a hillside to die with its feetShow MoreRelated Analysis of Oedipus Rex Essay890 Words   |  4 Pages Oedipus did not have a fair start in life. His father, Laius, heard prophecy that Oedipus would one day kill his father and sleep with his mother. In order to prevent this, Laius gave Oedipus to a shepherd to be killed. Fortunately, through a string of events, Oedipuss life was saved, and he even went on to become the honored king of Thebes. 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