Table of contentsIntroductionOedipus Rex: analysis of the chorusConclusionIntroductionChoruses, in theater and music, are those who function vocally in a crew in a manner antagonistic to those who perform alone. The chorus of classical Greek theater was once a group of performers who expressed and commented on the main movement of a play with singing, dancing, and recitation. Greek tragedy had its beginnings in choral performances in which a team of 50 actors danced and sang lyrical dithyramb hymns in reward of the god Dionysus. Choral performances continued to have an impact on early plays until the time of Aeschylus who added a second actor and reduced the chorus from 50 to 12 performers. Sophocles, who brought in a 0.33 actor, expanded the chorus to 15, but reduced it to a primarily commentative position in most plays. The chorus of the Greek comedy numbered 24, and its place was formerly replaced by scattered songs. The distinction between the passivity of the chorus and the pastime of the actors is at the heart of the artistry of Greek tragedies. As the tragic protagonists express their opposition to the limits subscribed with the help of the gods for man, the chorus recounts the fear, hopes and judgment of the political regime of average citizens. Their judgment is the verdict of history. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay The role of the chorus in Oedipus the King is to represent the voice of average citizens and to bring a vision that cannot be communicated by the other characters. in the room. The chorus advances throughout the story, announcing the arrival of characters and answering questions that move the plot forward. Sophocles also uses a refrain because it helps the audience see the story from an additional perspective, thus providing a more complete picture of the situation. Representing a body of ordinary citizens, the chorus is level-headed, pleasantly predictable and frank, often giving voice to the audience's thoughts and questions. More importantly, the chorus's sympathy toward Oedipus during this catastrophic period of his life pushes the audience to empathize with the tragic hero. Oedipus Rex: Analysis of the ChorusThe chorus serves as the primary medium between the audience and the characters in the play, revealing new perspectives to the audience that the characters themselves cannot show. Paul Roche comments in his introduction that "the function of the chorus in the original (aided by dancing, performance and singing) was to bridge the gap between the audience and the musicians and to intensify the emotion" (Introduction xviii ). The choir gains the trust of the audience, thus allowing the audience to be open to the opinions of the choir. This particularly contrasts with the audience's immediate reaction to the main characters, whose immorality arouses suspicion. When King Oedipus accuses Creon of being a traitor, for example, the audience doesn't really know who to believe. Creon of course does not hesitate to defend himself: “Good citizens, I rush here / shocked in your presence by a monstrous charge / brought upon me by Oedipus the King” (Second episode 28). King Oedipus responds strongly to Creon; “You dare to come back? / Do you have the face to set foot in my door? / You are the proven murderer” (Second episode 29). However, the chorus quickly intervenes and encourages King Oedipus to trust Creon: "He has never lied to you / before." He swore. Be kind” (Choral Diaogue 37). The audience's minds are put to rest as they are made to perceive the chorus as fair and reasonable. "We are convinced that the taunt wasmade in anger, and not coldly uttered by a calm mind" (Second episode 29). The chorus also answers questions from the audience. For example, the chorus asks Oedipus: “Man of havoc, how / Could you hate your sight to this point? / What demon possessed you like this? (Epilogue, 72). Epilogue, 73).Many questions or doubts are satisfied through the chorus The chorus is also important in developing the plot and propelling the storyline through the use of foreshadowing early on. Oedipus through irony, saying for example: "Yesterday or today / I did not know, and I do not know of a quarrel / Or a reason, or a challenge to defy / The fame of Oedipus, / Although I seek to avenge the curious death / Of king Labdacid (Second Choral Ode, 28). ). Thus, the chorus decisively eliminates Oedipus from being a murderer because of his reputation. This reflects how oblivious Oedipus was even to his own crime, leading him to do everything possible to plead and resolve "the death and fall of a king" (Prologue, 10). Another important job of the chorus is to anticipate, then announce, the arrival of a character. While speaking to Creon, the chorus sees Oedipus from afar and says: "But look! He himself comes from the house." (Second episode, 29). The chorus has the imperative task of drawing attention to the arrival of Oedipus, which leads to great conflict. Conversely, the chorus is also responsible for announcing Creon's arrival before another dramatic conversation between Creon and Oedipus regarding Oedipus' future, saying, “Wait! Here Creon comes to hear your supplications and take care of your designs. He takes your place as the sole guardian of the State” (Epilogue, 75). Additionally, the choir's ability to gain the audience's trust gives it the opportunity to manipulate the audience. After the great disappearance of Oedipus, the chorus says: “I see it in you, Oedipus: the model of non-bliss of man. » (Fifth Choral Ode, 68). The Antistrophe further states: "You who have aimed so high! Who have achieved life's greatest success! Qui-Zeus, oh who-." (Fifth Choral Ode, 68). The chorus does not emphasize that it was perhaps Oedipus who did evil and who imposed this fate on himself. The chorus focuses instead on the fragility of human life and the rapid fall of men, even “the mighty and once masterful” (Epilogue 81). "You saw him fall. You saw him carried away. / So, being mortal, look upon this last day / And count no man blessed in his life until / He has passed through the bounds of life without being still struck by ruin" (Epilogue 81). The refrain expresses that all men are destined to be miserable on earth and that only death can bring serenity. The chorus' verdict on life and man incites the audience to mourn the tragic hero who suffers a catastrophic fate without fault and, also, to the idea that no man can escape misery. The chorus directly persuades the audience to view the events of this play as supporting a pessimistic stance on life: “A man, alas, whose anguish corresponds to his destiny. We wish we had never known you” (Choral Dialogue 73).Sophocles further uses the refrain by conveying his message to the audience with irony. At one point, for example, the chorus says: “But how can we say that your design was good? / Living in blindness? Better not to live any more” (Epilogue 74). Ironically, Oedipus is, for the first time in his life, not blind to his past. Indeed, it is a subjective question whether physical blindness is more detrimental..