Oedipus

The major role in Oedipus of the Chorus as previously outlined is that of commentary. The chorus clarifies the situation to the audience in a way that enables the audience to fully comprehend the nature and general ebb and flow of the plot. For example when at the end of the play, when Creon's final words have been uttered, the chorus comments on the fate of Oedipus by saying

To reckon no man happy till ye witness

Here we can see the role of commenting on the action in giving the subsequent verdict of history. The Chorus comments on the plot lucidly, enabling us to reach a greater understanding of the play and the philosophical values it subscribes to. Thus it could be argued, that it increases our satifaction and feeling that we have learnt something above and beyond the mere narrative plot.

In addition to this the chorus also has a significant part to play in the expression of the fears and hopes of the populace. An example of this fear shown on the first entrance of the Chorus, before the horrific realities are yet known:

Through all my soul I quiver in suspense,

In brooding dread, what doom, of present growth,

. . .

View the whole essay, without interruption

However, the Greek kept the continuity between these natural gaps, by having a narrative section. This is partially due to their unfamiliarity in listening to several voices speaking at once, and partially due to the lack of requirement of a narrative passage as in most cases, the action has spoken for itself.

I think that in the play Oedipus, Sophocles intended the Chorus to be a constant significant part of the play, observing and reacting to situations, whilst never being the centre of attention during the main story, and only coming to the fore during the narrative passages of the play. The Chorus often speaks in this way at the end of a scene to clarify what has just gone on.

The Chorus in the play Oedipus has three basic functions. However, the Greek kept the continuity between these natural gaps, by having a narrative section. I think that although the basic participation of the Chorus in the play can't be changed, the significance of their part can certainly alter quite considerably depending to the type of audience or viewer and their own perception due to experience. In modern theatre, the plays are normally split up into scenes and acts.

Another role that the Chorus was given by Sophocles was to heighten the tragic nature, the tension and the overall effect of the play. In this role, I think the Chorus is very helpful to the audience, as it succeeds in keeping the audience ‘on the edge of their seats'. after Jocasta has realised the truth the second messenger describes the scene inside the palace to the Chorus: "Within the porch, straight to the couch she rushed, her bridal bed, and tore her hair")

Secondly, the Chorus offers a sort of running narrative for the audience. The common use of a Chorus in Greek plays meant that the audiences almost expected any play to contain one, therefore, the concept of a Chorus was not one they were not used to.

They act as a narrative, summarising the most recent action (on-stage or not).

The Greek audience would, no doubt, place a great deal more significance on the role of the Chorus than a 20th century audience would. ")

Finally, the Chorus is used to keep the continuity during the play.

Approximate Word count = 1475
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.