Summary The elders chant a prayer to the gods of the Underworld to receive Oedipus in death. Analysis The ode, solemn and stately, implores the god and goddess of the Underworld, Hades and Persephone, to grant Oedipus the justice and the glory that he was denied in life. The prayer, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1766-1788Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1695-1765
Summary Oedipus says that he will lead Theseus, Ismene, and Antigone to his gravesite, where his tomb will be a blessing to Athens. Analysis In this episode, Oedipus and Theseus have, in effect, changed roles. Oedipus — once the helpless wanderer begging for shelter — now confidently leads the king […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1695-1765Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1646-1694
Summary The chorus describes thunder sounding, and Oedipus announces that it is the signal of his approaching death. Analysis This choral dialogue suggests a ritual conversation — the elders describing the blasting thunderstorm, appalling to hear, while Oedipus interprets its meaning for them and for the audience. By this time, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1646-1694Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1411-1645
Summary When Polynices arrives seeking Oedipus’ support in his struggle for the Theban throne, Oedipus at first refuses to talk with him. After Polynices makes his argument — namely, that both he and his father have suffered at the hands of Eteocles and Creon and that both will prosper if […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1411-1645Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1378-1410
Summary The chorus sings an ode on the suffering and grief of old age. Analysis Oedipus’ old age and approaching death inspire this sad chant, but the ode also includes an acknowledgment of the old man’s endurance. After a long description of life’s increasing burdens, the conclusion offers an image […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1378-1410Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1240-1377
Summary Theseus and his followers return with Antigone and Ismene. A grateful Oedipus steps forward to embrace Theseus, but suddenly restrains himself out of fear that he might defile the Athenian king. Theseus tells Oedipus that a stranger awaits him at the altar of Poseidon. This stranger from Argos claims […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1240-1377Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1193-1239
Summary In excited anticipation, the chorus evokes — and, for a moment, actually dramatizes — the expected battle between Athens and Thebes, ending the ode with a heartfelt prayer to the gods for victory for Athens. Analysis At the middle of the choral ode, after a respectful reference to the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 1193-1239Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 818-1192
Summary Creon enters with his attendants and tries to persuade Oedipus to return to Thebes. Oedipus sees through Creon’s hypocrisy and recalls the many times in the past when he showed him no pity. Creon has his men seize Antigone and tells Oedipus that Ismene is already a prisoner. Theseus […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 818-1192Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 762-817
Summary The chorus sings a lyrical ode praising the natural beauties of the Athenian countryside. Analysis Theseus’ conferral of citizenship upon Oedipus inspires the elders’ celebratory ode to the glories of Athens and its surrounding lands. Sophocles offers this evocation of natural beauty at a time when Athens was brought […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 762-817Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 617-761
Summary When Theseus arrives, he immediately recognizes Oedipus, who is famous for his guilt and suffering. The Athenian king offers the blind beggar his help. Oedipus thanks Theseus and asks to stay in Athens until his death, promising that Athens will be rewarded. He warns that the peace between Athens […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus Lines 617-761