Question : Essay-type
Discuss the function of the chorus in ‘Oedipus Rex’.
Introduction
The Greek dramatist realized the many important uses which the chorus could be made to serve. It could expound the past, comment on the present, and forebode the future. It provided the dramatist with a mouthpiece. One of the most important functions of the chorus was to reveal, in its widest and most mysterious extent, the theatre of human life. Even when the chorus did not speak, but only watched it, maintained this theme and this perspective ready to take the whole stage when the main characters departed. The chorus also formed a living foreground of common humanity, and a living background of pure poetry which turned lamentation into music and horror into peace. The masters of Greek drama used the chorus, with eminent success, for the creation of atmosphere, of contrast, of escape and relief. ‘Oedipus Rex’ illustrates this in an abundant measure.
The Role Of The Chorus In Oedipus Rex
In any consideration of ‘Oedipus Rex’ the role of the chorus cannot be ignored. ‘Oedipus Rex’ opens with a large delegation of Theban citizens before Oedipus’s palace, while the chorus properly enters only after the prologue. Now does the chorus speak directly for the audience all time. The chorus represents the point of view and the faith of Thebes as a whole, and by analogy, of the audience.
The Role Of The Chorus Through Various Songs In Oedipus Rex
In Sophoclean tragedy ‘Oedipus Rex’ the various songs of the chorus show the changing moods of the chorus and, to a large extent, of the audience. The chorus is not just a spectator, but a commentator which takes notice of the changing situations and developments and expresses its reaction to them mostly in the form of songs. The songs of the chorus take the shape sometimes of an invocation, sometimes a prayer, sometimes a wish, sometimes a lament, sometimes an expression of joy or grief.
Now, let us discuss the role of the chorus through various songs in the play—
Chorus In Entry Song
In its entry-song the chorus invokes the various gods and describes the misfortunes which have befallen the city of Thebes. With the entry of the chorus, the list of the essential dramatic personae is complete, and the main action can begin. It is the function of the chorus to mark the stage of this action.
The choral odes are lyrics intended to be danced and sung. Each song represents one passion or pathos in the changing action of the whole. The opening song of the chorus has two themes; the plague raging in the city of Thebes, and the message from Delphi. Both these themes have already been dealt with in the prologue.
Chorus In Second Song
The second ode comes after Tiresias’s denunciation of Oedipus. The chorus here pictures the guilty man as a homeless outcast shrinking from men’s eyes. The chorus also expresses its feeling of perplexity in view of the accusations brought by Tiresias against Oedipus.
The Third Song Of The Chorus
The third song of the chorus begins with the reverence which the chorus feels for the laws framed by the gods. It then speaks of the ‘hubris’ or pride which is a hateful characteristic of a tyrant.
The Fourth Song Of The Chorus
In its fourth song the chorus speculates upon the divine origin.
Chorus In Last Song
The last song of the chorus expresses the idea that human happiness is short-lived, the fate of Oedipus being a clear illustration of this idea.
Chorus As The Upholder Of Religious Piety And Sanctity
The role of the chorus as the upholder of religious piety and sanctity is noteworthy. The chorus in its songs expresses a consistent reverence for the gods, and it expresses an unfaltering faith in the Oracles. It deplores and condemns the general decline in religion and prays to the gods to restore people’s faith in the Oracles and in religious observances. It advocates a strict adherence to laws framed by the gods. In short, the chorus is a champion of religious sanctity.
Chorus As The Speaker
The chorus also sometimes takes part in the dialogue and, therefore, in the action even though it is unable to influence the course of events in any appreciable manner. After Oedipus has proclaimed his purpose of tracing Laius’s murderer, and has uttered a curse upon the criminal, the chorus expresses the view that the Oracle should have indicated the identity of the murderer. When Oedipus replies that a god cannot be compelled to speak against his own will, the chorus suggests that the prophet, Tiresias, should be requested to come and help in the investigation. Later, when Oedipus speaks harsh words to Tiresias, and Tiresias has also spoken angrily, the chorus tries to soothe both of them, saying that they have both spoken in the heat of passion. When Jocasta arrives on the scene of the quarrel between her husband and her brother, the chorus expresses the hope that she would be able to compose the quarrel, at the same time appealing to Oedipus to withdraw the sentence of death against Creon.
Chorus In The Final Scene Of Oedipus Rex
In the final scene, the chorus plays a more substantial part. The chorus holds a dialogue with Oedipus commenting on the latest development. In this dialogue the chorus does not influence the action in the least, but its role as a questionnaire and as a commentator is valuable; through the questions which the chorus asks Oedipus and through the comments which the chorus makes upon the blinded Oedipus, we are enabled to know a good deal about how Oedipus’s mind is working. Both the questions and the comments of the chorus deepen the tragic effect.
Conclusion
Thus in the play ‘Oedipus Rex’ the chorus plays a prominent role. It is typically Sophoclean chorus that takes an important role in the play, instead of merely making incidental music between the scenes.
Related Question
Discuss the role of the chorus in Sophocles’s ‘Oedipus Rex’.
