Role of Chorus in Oedipus Rex

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Introductory

Chorus has been derived from a Greek word, khorus, which means "round dance, group of dancers"[6]. It is a group of people who take part in dancing and commenting on the story which is recently presented. Chorus was an integral part of Greek tragedy and their main objective was to engage the audience in emotional relief [remember Catharsis?] so that they might not sweep away in the tragic atmosphere. How did chorus achieve that goal? Through dancing on the music, through commenting on the dramatic situation and by wearing and changing masks as the occasion demanded[5].

Oedipus Rex is a Greek tragedy and it is surely and accurately enriched with the (4 to 5) odes of Chorus, helping the characters in depicting different scenes and actions. At first, the Chorus is seen commenting and lamenting on the plague which has adversely hit the city of Thebes. [1]

"The plague burns on, it is pitiless,

Though pallid children laden with death

Lie unwept in the stony ways."

So, it is Chorus who sets off the tragedy after prologue and structurizes it perfectly. Why did Sophocles added the role of Chorus at the first place? It is simple, he wanted to give the Theban people an outline of the plague or major problem in the play.

Chorus comments on the terrible predictions of Teiresias that the "blind man who has eyes now" will turn out to be the murderer of King Laius and also curses the wrenched who has committed this crime and questions, "Shall I believe my great lord criminal?" Chorus is also observed as a middleman between Creon and Oedipus who blames Creon for plotting against his throne along with the "blind" seer. Choragos (The chief of Chorus) advices Oedipus, "Judgments too quickly formed are dangerous.". Thus Chorus not only entertains the audience with background story, but also plays an active part in solving 'minute' problems. It is also the Chorus who shows the Messenger way to Oedipus' palace.

Lastly, Chorus is seen mourning the tragic demise of Oedipus and says that generation of mor[t]al man adds up to nothing. This ode must be looked as the view of Chorus as Oedipus still retains his heroic figure, even after his downfall.

Conclusion

Chorus effectively plays its role as a strong voice of the Theban people. They dance on the music, wear masks without creating an ambiguity and most importantly, helps the characters, actors and audience in and out of the play actively and precisely.

Sources, References and Citation

Role of Chorus in Oedipus Rex

Introductory

Conclusion

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