Kyle Rhodes
Document 2
11/14/06
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus
Choral Interaction
Background
This play is part of the Theban plays by Sophocles. In chronological order they occur: Oedipus Tyrannus, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone.
Oedipus Tyrannus occurs after Oedipus has killed his father, solves the riddle of the sphinx, and has lain with his mother. Oedipus at Colonus occurs after he is exiled from Thebes never to return. It is good to note that in Oedipus Tyrannus, Oedipus exiled himself from Thebes but in Oedipus at Colonus his son Polynices was the one to exile him.
Oedipus at Colonus takes place in Colonus, a suburb of Athens where Sophocles was born in 495 B.C.E. It was ruled by Theseus who was King of Athens.
Characters
Oedipus: Son of Laius and Jocasta. In this play he was exiled by his son Ploynices rather than by himself. He is blind as a result of gorging out his eyes in Oedipus Tyrannus. In this play he is seen as a hero because of the way he dies. He almost makes it triumphant. The fact that his death and location of his grave are a mystery to everyone else including his daughter whom he loved shows that he wanted to leave them with a dignity that can only be gained this way. The earth seemed to open up and take him in. This stands out from the normal tragedy because it doesnÕt fit the mold of teaching a lesson as a result of a tragic demise. Oedipus makes his purpose focus on life rather than death. By not telling his anyone where he is buried they can focus on his life rather than mourn his death at his grave.
Antigone: Eldest Daughter of Oedipus as well as half sister to Oedipus. A dedicated child to her father who guides him when he is blinded. She shows that she is very dedicated to family. In Oedipus at Colonus she becomes very concerned for her brothers lives when she hears that they will kill each other. Also, when she fights for PolynicesÕ proper burial in Antigone.
Ismene: The younger daughter of Oedipus and one that is the weaker of the two. Ismene is one who will do what is expected of her as a woman.
Theseus: King of Athens and in charge of suburb Colonus. Theseus is known to be a very grateful leader as shown in his role in EuripidesÕ Suppliants as well as in SophoclesÕ Oedipus at Colonus. In The Suppliants he helps Argos have a proper burial of the Seven Argive that fall at Thebes and in Oedipus at Colonus he gives Oedipus a place to die rightfully and have the grave that he wishes for.
Creon: Brother in law of Oedipus as well as uncle of Oedipus. Creon seems to be the Òbad guyÓ in the Theban plays but truly he tried to do what is best for the city of Thebes. In Antigone, he was obeying the law that people who betrayed the city would not have a proper burial. In Oedipus at Colonus, he was trying to prevent a curse on the city of Thebes.
Polynices: Eldest son of Oedipus. One who exiled Oedipus. After this exile it was a question as to who would now rule the city of Thebes. It was agreed that Polynices and Eteocles would share the throne and switch ruler each year. Eteocles ruled for the first year. When Polynices turn approached Eteocles refused to give up the throne. This lead to Polynices leaving Thebes and starting a new life in Argos. He would marry King AdrastosÕ daughter and form an army to take to Thebes in attempt to win the thrown. Instead Polynices and Eteocles would end up killing each other in the battle.
Synopsis
The play opens with Antigone guiding the blind Oedipus along. They come to a point where Oedipus must rest yet they do not know where they are. They soon find out that they are on sacred ground on the outskirts of Athens at a place called Colonus where Theseus rules (lines 1-116). The chorus then enters in parados (lines 117-206). It is made up of elders of Colonus. In the parados the chorus asks Oedipus to step forward from hiding in the bushes so they can gain information about his purpose at Colonus. The first Episode (lines 207-667) then begins with Oedipus and the chorus speaking. They are disgraced to find out his true identity and tell him to leave as to not cause trouble for their city. The chorus then sends for Theseus, King of Athens, to show them who has come into their land. At this moment Ismene comes out of the distance. She came to see her father in his poor condition and to report back from Thebes. She informed her father that Creon rules Thebes because of the curse that was put upon their house. She also tells Oedipus that those at Thebes want him buried near. If not and his grave is neglected there will be a curse set upon the city. Because he was exiled from Thebes he does not want to be buried there. Instead he wants to be buried in Athens with the help of Theseus. Oedipus learns from Ismene that his sons put the city of Thebes before him. Theseus then enters. He asks Oedipus to tell him everything about his life and what he wants from the city of Athens. Oedipus tells him that he wants to be buried in Athens and that this may cause some disruption because there would most likely be someone sent from Thebes trying to take Oedipus back with them. Regardless of this Theseus agrees to help Oedipus.
The first stasimon (lines 668-719) is the chorus singing for protection of their city. The second episode (lines 720-1043) then begins with Creon and his guards coming towards Colonus in order to take Oedipus back to Thebes. When Oedipus doesnÕt agree to this Creon takes both Ismene and Antigone back to Thebes with him and the chorus can do nothing to stop him. Theseus then hears of this and focuses on bringing Antigone and Ismene back. The second stasimon (lines1044-1099) is the chorus chanting for victory of Theseus on the front lines fighting to being the sisters back. The third episode (lines1100-1210) begins and Antigone and Ismene were both saved by Theseus. Oedipus now wants to say goodbye to his daughters before he dies and he asks TheseusÕ permission to do so. The third stasimon (lines 1211-1253) talks about death and how maybe life would be better if one had never been born at all. It talks about how old age happens to us all and that life only gets worse with time. Episode four begins with the entrance of Polynices. He has come to see his father and to gain his blessing for his army to fight Thebes. Oedipus is angry when he hears this because Polynices was the one who exiled him in the first place. Instead of giving Polynices his blessing, Oedipus becomes angry and speaks of the curse that is set upon their house. Polynices leaves knowing that he will die by the blade of his brother. Oedipus then tells Theseus that he will die and his grave will be in Athens. Theseus is not to speak of its whereabouts to anyone, not even Antigone or Ismene. This episode ends with Oedipus leading Theseus off stage. The fourth stasimon (lines1557-1578) begins with the choral ode. The final episode (lines1579-1670) begins with a messenger coming and informing the chorus and the sisters what has happened to Oedipus. The messenger is unsure of how Oedipus died and says that the only one who knows of his death is Theseus. The exodus (lines 1671-1779) begins when Antigone asks to see her fatherÕs grave. Theseus denies her this action because of OedipusÕ wishes for it to be hidden. The play ends with an understanding that to respect OedipusÕ wishes and for the good of Athens, his grave should be kept secret.
Choral Contribution Analysis
The Chorus of Elders in this play is like no other. It contributes to the structure of this tragedy in how they are presented and how much they are mentioned throughout the play. The audience can see it right away in the very first episode when the chorus and Oedipus are talking. In the beginning the Elders are very set on the idea that Colonus is sacred ground and that no one from outside the city, unless they are of importance is to step foot on that ground. If they do it is trespassing and they are not respected by Athens. Oedipus ensures the chorus that he is worthy of stepping foot on this ground and that all he wants is a place to die rightfully. The Chorus is the reason for Oedipus to meet with Theseus.
The chorus and Oedipus also have another connection: as it is said by Umit Singh Dhuga, they are of the same age group so there is a tension that arises. This conflict feeds into new conflict that arises as the play moves forward. It also allows the chorus to feel sympathy for Oedipus. This conflict gives rise for the chorus to hear OedipusÕ story from his mouth as opposed to anyone elseÕs. The chorus has to decide whether they want to accept Oedipus or not. After Oedipus tells the elders a little about himself they tell him to go off of the sacred land and yet they still say ÒYou are Oedipus; daughter, and we pity both of you equally for all you have sufferedÓ (lines254-5).
One speech made by the chorus that makes up the third stasimon has much importance. This ode overall states that for some it would have been better for them to have never been born at all. Better as in a better life. But how can one have a better life is there is no life in the first place? Would the world be better off if Oedipus werenÕt even born? According to the Greeks the best of times were early in ones life. The older one got the more conflict and war arises and in the end all the person gains is death. This rises the question: is it worth going through life if all that is going to happen as a result is death? This seems to be the questions of OedipusÕ life but this stasimon suggests that this happens to everybody here, ÒThen sad old age; feeble, lonely, neglected, and despised. Now heÕd living these years, but it happens to us allÓ (lines 1235-1238). In that case if everybody was either never born or died young there wouldnÕt be much life at all.
The chorus of Elders in general contributes tremendously to the structure of this play. As stated by Dhuga, this is because they are elderly similarly to Oedipus as well as the fact that they are Athenian. It is also because the give ride to the rest of the conflict in the play.
Works Cited
Dhuga, U. S. Choral Identity in SophoclesÕ Oedipus Coloneus. American Journal of Philology > Vol. 126, No. 3.