Chorus

· Symbolizes two distinct features of Greek society 1) The prevailing tide of public opinion Ex: At first, the chorus rejects Antigone’s belief in divine justice over state justice, but by the end of the play, especially after being advised by Teiresias, the chorus changes positions and sides with Antigone (page 193) 2)  The consciousness of the characters Ex: Chorus sometimes reveals Antigone’s logic (page 194) ·  The Chorus also plays an important role by helping to state the views of the author Ex: Toward the end of the play, the chorus attacks arrogance—Sophocles cites arrogance as a cause for potential problems (page 209) · The earliest chorus just recited or sung poems out loud and this was called a play · The chorus was often aloof on stage, but they acted as the unifying and commenting interpreter of the drama · In the plays of Sophocles, the Chorus is often named as the “Elders of Thebes”, “People of Colonus” which allows the Chorus to act as bridges between the spectator and the stage. · It is important to note that the Chorus has two functions; one of the actor and the other as the commentator  ·  Specific to Antigone, the Chorus is:
 * __ A little bit of history..... __**
 * But, there were often two or three characters to personify its leading themes
 * Result: The audience becomes the citizens of Thebes, witnesses of the passion of Oedipus, the martyrdom of Antigone. It acts as an efficient tool to engage the audience.
 *   Submissive
 *   Rather unenthusiastic and fickle

Below is a picture of the Chorus in action. The two on the side are members of the Chorus (notice the identical outfits) and how they are not in the center of attention. 