In “Oedipus the King”, Sophocles clearly represents the Greek belief in fate controlling a man’s life despite man’s supposed free will. Man had free will in making decisions and ultimately was held accountable for his actions. Predestined to marry his mother and kill his father, Oedipus was moderately channeled by fate. Throughout “Oedipus the King”, the idea of fate and free will plays a major part in the destruction of Oedipus; however, Oedipus himself has free will in making decisions and ultimately is held accountable for his actions. Sophocles makes meaning in the play by reducing the role of the Chorus and integrating it into action more than other playwrights of his time making the Chorus a minor character, using dramatic irony extensively and effectively, and forcing Oedipus to extreme limits as a tragic hero. Sophocles takes a different angle in the use of the Chorus in “Oedipus the King” by involving the Chorus into the action of the play. Sophocles first uses the Chorus of Thebans to show that those affected by the plague look to Oedipus for hope. As an …show more content…
Rather than just singing, dancing, and reciting, Sophocles uses the Chorus as a minor character to enhance the theme of Greek Gods versus the free will of humankind. Sophocles uses the Chorus in three ways as a minor character: to act as witnesses throughout the play, act as observes to what is going on in the play, and presenting opinions regularly after outcomes of Oedipus’ fate. As the role of a minor character, the Chorus is important as they provide voice of reasoning in critical moments as well as confusion and fear during Oedipus’ fall. Collective moods and emotions that are intended to be felt by the audience is made possible because of the role the Chorus has. The Chorus is always included in the scene of the play when something of meaning or tragedy is taking place. As an example, Sophocles