What are the various functions that the chorus discharges in Oedipus Rex?

Chorus in Greek Tragedy

Greek tragedy is believed to have developed from a group of dancers and singers who participated in the worship of various gods, especially Dionysus. According to Aristotle, the chorus should be like a single character. He praises its use by Sophocles as by Euripides. In ancient Greece, it was customary for the state to provide a chorus for all plays selected for performance at one of the two annual dramatic festivals. Gradually, the role of the chorus in classical tragedy became less and less important, to the point where in Roman tragedy the speeches of the chorus had to take place between acts.

Chorus Functions

There are some broad functions that the chorus performs in all classical tragedies. In the first place the structure of a Greek tragedy is intent on the chorus. Later in the prologue it is with the entry of the chorus that a Greek tragedy commences. The various episodes and stasima are also marked by choric odes. A Greek tragedy ends with the exode or exit song of the chorus. It is the job of the chorus to comment on the actions and events. It sometimes also questions the characters. Its standard role is that of a moderator. Sometimes it represents the point of view of the ordinary spectator. In some cases, it is believed that the chorus itself represents the point of view of the playwright.

Chorus in Oedipus Rex

Some of the functions of the chorus mentioned above are performed very well in Oedipus Rex. The horror of the plague is depicted in the first ode and the fear about the message that is brought from the oracle of Delphi is also expressed. All the remaining poems comment on the part of the action that has taken place since the last poem and set the mood for this stage of the play. It plays the role of a peacemaker between the king and Creon and succeeds in obtaining the king's pardon for the latter. After Teiresias' exit, it comments on the terrible prophecies made by the blind seer but shows a determination to stand by the king. Its main reaction is seen after Oedipus and Jocasta F express their unwavering views against the oracles. Often they reflect the prevailing mood and help to deepen the story. When Oedipus imagines that he is the son of fortune, the chorus, immediately after, sings that their mass Oedipus, himself the son of Apollo, may be.

The Last Chorus

A particular question arises regarding the fifth and final choric ode in Oedipus Rex. Here the chorus reflects Oedipus' despair and says that all races of men do nothing. This poem should not be considered as reflecting the final mood and impression of the play, for it has been rightly said that this impression is as much of the invincible greatness of the human spirit as of man's worthlessness and the transitory nature of his happiness, so this ode should be seen only as reflecting the mood of that particular moment in the story and not as his final judgment. Even in HD Fall, Oedipus remains powerful, in a sense he is still heroic.

In the dialogues

The chorus also participates in the dialogues. When the king consults them about the end of the plague in the city, they express their disappointment that the oracle had not guided them regarding the identity of Laius's murderer, and Oedipus replies that it is not possible to speak well against his will. In answer two questions from Oedipus they also tell him what they know about the murder of their previous king and the circumstances in which it took place . When Creon, who has heard that his relatives have accused him of treason, comes on stage, he speaks only to the chorus, who tells him that the king's accusation was made in the heat of his anger. Creon wants to know if the king looked at all serious when he made the accusation and is right that it is not their business to look their master in the eye when they speak. After Oedipus has spent about a sentence on Creon, and Jocasta arrives on the scene, she speaks to the chorus. They tell him that they expect him to resolve the differences between the two men. They are worried when they see Jocasta walking into the palace in a very gloomy mood and they express their concerns. Oedipus asks them whether they know anything about the shepherd who gave the infant to the Corinthian who has come as a messenger. They reply that his queen can answer the question better. They sympathize with Oedipus when he sees himself entering the stage after blinding himself. Thus it is clear that although the chorus never takes a direct hand in the action, it does not consist of mere spectators but influences the action in various subtle ways.

Contribution

The contribution of the chorus to the overall effect of Oedipus Rex is considerable. Whatever may be the case in other plays, here is hardly an occasion when we feel the chorus to be a burden. They connect the play with common humanity. In one sense or another they are often in the position of the ideal spectator. They fill the gaps in the action when there are no other characters on stage. They add to it the element of melody which must have been one of the attractions of Greek tragedy, although we now know very little about Greek music. They provide a fitting transition between the titanic, heroic figure of Oedipus and the shared humanity represented by the two shepherds in Oedipus Rex. The tragedy of Oedipus, and its relevance to common life, is very well emphasized by the chorus in its exhalations or exhalations.