Skip to main content

In Oedipus Rex, to what extent does Sophocles position the chorus in order to create dramatic tension?

Oedipus decides to search for the killer of Laius, both because the oracle has stated that it is the only way to rid Thebes of all its problems as well as because "in righting [Laius] [Oedipus] serves [him]self."  He figures that whoever slew Laius might return to slay him too.  Immediately after this, the Chorus prays to the gods and laments the sad times in Thebes.  When they are finished, Oedipus steps in, rather pridefully,...

Oedipus decides to search for the killer of Laius, both because the oracle has stated that it is the only way to rid Thebes of all its problems as well as because "in righting [Laius] [Oedipus] serves [him]self."  He figures that whoever slew Laius might return to slay him too.  Immediately after this, the Chorus prays to the gods and laments the sad times in Thebes.  When they are finished, Oedipus steps in, rather pridefully, and assures them that he has the situation well in hand.  His pride while addressing them, and his assurance that he can handle the situation (rather than praying to the gods as a more humble man might do), certainly increases the dramatic tension in the play.  Sophocles's audience would already have known Oedipus's story, and so his proud response to the Chorus builds dramatic irony -- when the audience knows more than the character -- increasing tension as well. 


After Teiresias has essentially told Oedipus that he is the killer, the Chorus again speaks.  They are "Sore perplexed" by what the prophet has said, doubting not that he could be wrong because they know he receives his knowledge from the gods.  Again, however, Oedipus stands in contrast to them, doubting everything Tieresias has said and even accusing him of plotting with Creon to take his throne.  To doubt Teiresias is to proudly doubt the gods, especially Apollo, who grants the gift of prophecy.  It is a proud and dangerous thing to doubt the gods and their prophets like this.  Once again, the difference between the Chorus's piety and humility and Oedipus's hubris is quite stark and creates a good deal of dramatic tension.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the meaning of "juggling fiends" in Macbeth?

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...
Post a Comment
Read more

In Martel's Life of Pi, how does writing a diary help Pi Patel build on his leadership skills?

At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can... At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can do this by writing down events, problems and solutions, and reflections to look back on when confronted with repeated problems. It can ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discuss movements that were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and list one success for each group.

African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change... African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change for their agendas. Two examples of moveme...
Post a Comment
Read more