"Oedipus Rex"

Analytical Essay # 57192

Drama and Theater > Greek and Roman
English > Analysis
Literature > Greek and Roman

"Oedipus Rex"

An examination of the use of choral odes in Sophocles's "Oedipus Rex".

1,700 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains how the choral odes serve to both bring the gods into the play in terms of prayer and supplication and also to comment on the plot of the play as it progresses from the standpoint of the society represented by Oedipus, its king, who is involved in the horrible tragedy and disaster of his discovery.

From the Paper:

"The chorus used to be a bigger part of Greek drama, but actors began to take most of the action of the play, and the chorus was relegated to a position that could be compared to the modern role of the reporter. The chorus is also a religious voice in the play, though, so this comparison could be modified to include the modern priest as well. The chorus does not necessarily provide a totally objective voice, since they are as wrapped up in the events of the play as any of the other charcacters."