The Chorus In Oedipus The King

Role of the Chorus
The Chorus is a group of actors that speak, sing, and dance together. The Chorus is part of a ritual theme in Greek tragedy plays. In each play the Chorus many functions, and sometimes can have similar roles as other choruses in other plays. Specifically in the Bacchae, a play by Euripides and in Oedipus the King by Sophocles, the Chorus were an important part of the play and had different functions. In the Bacchae, the Chorus’ was more reserved an not so involved but their main goal was to show how to respect and give honor to the divine. In Oedipus the King, the chorus was more involved in the actual action by trying to help Oedipus in his decisions and help him chose the right choice.
In the Bacchae, the Chorus functions as a constant source of obedience towards the divine. The Chorus symbolizes the lack of pride and devotion to the divine. The Choruses devotion can be clearly seen when praising Dionysus. “He (Dionysus) loves the
Specifically roles that the chorus played in the Bacchae was serving as supporters and followers of Dionysus, only showing respect. While in Oedipus the King, the chorus guided Oedipus in a more rational way, by not only glorifying him, but also critisizing at certain times. A reason for the stark difference in both choruses can be explained by the makeup of both choruses. In the Bacchae, the choruses were a group of foreign Asian woman and in Oedipus the King, the chorus were a group of old men. Asian women are known to cat on their emotions, which can be why the Chorus in the Bacchae only praises Dionysus, which can be seen as irrational at times when Dionysus did not act correctly. Whereas in Oedipus the King, the group of old men were more rational and thereby acted on reason, by admiring Oedipus and also being critical. Yet, in both plays, the Chorus is seen as in important function of the