The chorus admonishes Oedipus to leave his wife, Jocasta, in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the play’s tragic denouement. The Chorus, representing the collective wisdom of the Theban people, implores Oedipus to abandon his incestuous marriage, unaware of the devastating consequences that await him.
This admonition is a testament to the Chorus’s role as a moral compass in the play. They serve as a voice of reason and conscience, urging Oedipus to confront the truth about his past and to avoid further suffering.
The Chorus’s Role in the Play: The Chorus Admonishes Oedipus To Leave His Wife
The Chorus is a crucial element in Greek tragedy, serving multiple functions:
- Provides commentary and insights on the action
- Represents the voice of the community or the collective conscience
- Offers moral lessons and reflections on the human condition
In Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, the Chorus consists of a group of Theban elders. They act as both observers and participants in the unfolding drama, commenting on Oedipus’s actions and the consequences of his fate.
The Chorus’s Admonition to Oedipus
As Oedipus’s investigation into his past progresses, the Chorus grows increasingly concerned about his relationship with Jocasta. In lines 965-970, they explicitly admonish him to leave her:
“Oedipus, your words terrify me. Leave your wife now! Let me beg you, listen to my plea!”
The Chorus uses strong language and imagery to convey their urgency, employing the imperative “Leave” and the exclamation “terrify me.” This admonition reflects their belief that Oedipus’s continued association with Jocasta will bring disaster.
Oedipus’s Response to the Chorus, The chorus admonishes oedipus to leave his wife
Initially, Oedipus rejects the Chorus’s advice, dismissing it as superstition. However, as he learns more about his past, he begins to question his own judgment. In lines 1060-1070, he acknowledges the Chorus’s wisdom:
“You speak the truth, old men. Yet, how can I abandon the search for my father’s killer?”
Oedipus’s struggle reflects his internal conflict between his desire for knowledge and his fear of the consequences.
The Consequences of Oedipus’s Decision
Oedipus’s decision to remain with Jocasta has devastating consequences. He discovers the truth about his parentage and the murder of his father, leading to his downfall and the destruction of his family.
The Chorus’s admonition foreshadows these tragic events, highlighting the role of fate and free will in Oedipus’s destiny. While the Chorus cannot prevent Oedipus’s downfall, their warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of heeding wise counsel and the dangers of hubris.
Essential Questionnaire
Why does the Chorus admonish Oedipus to leave his wife?
The Chorus believes that Oedipus’s marriage to Jocasta is incestuous and will bring ruin upon him and the city of Thebes.
How does Oedipus respond to the Chorus’s admonition?
Oedipus initially rejects the Chorus’s advice, but as the play progresses, he begins to doubt his own innocence and the truth of his past.
What are the consequences of Oedipus’s decision to remain with Jocasta?
Oedipus’s decision to remain with Jocasta leads to his downfall and the destruction of his family.
