Trust In Oedipus Rex

The Trust of God or Men The chorus passage (lines 954-997) in Oedipus Rex is an intriguing, intensive piece that overstates the point it is trying to get across. While the passage may hint at things like defying the will of the gods and even apostasy, the true conflict lies in the level of trust the chorus has with Oedipus and Tiresias’ arguments, respectively. Tiresias has the backing of the gods, seeing as he is a famed prophet from Delphi. Oedipus, however, has the respect and admiration of his people, for he was the one who conquered the Sphinx and saved Thebes. The chorus, in order to believe Oedipus, would have to sacrifice their believe in oracles as the messengers of the gods. Earlier in the play the chorus is horrified and struggles to believe the accusations made against Oedipus by Tiresias. After more
At the beginning of the passage, the chorus seemingly apologizes in advance to the gods for the things they are about to say, “Destiny guide me always Destiny find me filled with reverence pure in word and deed.” (954-956). This shows that the chorus is making a sort of promise to the gods that they will never stop fearing and believing them. Even if the prophecies debasing Oedipus do not come true, as the chorus is hoping they wont, the god “does not grow old” (962-963). The first stanza is a reclamation and binding of faith forever between the people and the gods. The beginning of the second stanza is once again speaking in the favor of the gods, stating all these things that would truthfully paint Oedipus if the prophecies were to