We, the Chorus, are
elders of Thebes, serving to represent our society’s values. What is it that
we, society, value? As time ceaselessly passes, sentiments and values seem to
as well. The audience can depend on our opinions to be correct; however, do be
aware that they vary line to line. No,
we do not refute ourselves, oh imprudent audience, we simply learn more as time
passes and adjust our opinions accordingly. Our task is not simple; not only
must we guide our ever endearing audience through the action and context of the
play, but also guide them to the greater meaning of this astounding work by the
remarkable Sophocles. Oh, divine audience, your endurance is especially
appreciated.
Oh, senseless Antigone,
does she surely believe she should do anything other than praise the laws of
our great city? “When [one] honors the laws of the land, and that justice which he hath sworn by the gods to uphold, proudly stands his
city: no city hath he who, for his rashness, dwells with sin.
Never may he share my hearth, never think my thoughts, who doth
these things!” Indeed, her
naivety is nothing short of appalling; believing she is acting as the gods
would like. If the gods did not favor Creon, how is it he would rise to this
position of power? To obey Creon and his city is to obey the gods. He can do no
wrong. Oh, senseless Antigone, she shall “pass to Hades, as no
other of mortal kind [has] passed.” It is her pride that has brought this upon her,
“[her] self-willed temper hath wrought [her] ruin.”
Yes, Antigone deserves
the worst of punishments.
However…
Creon! Oh, he cannot
let Antigone die! The terrifying prophecy of Tiresias, does it not worry him? Perhaps
the king should free Antigone from her chamber and yield his actions after all,
“for swift harms from the gods cut short the folly of men.” Oh, Dionysus,
please protect our city.
.
.
.
Antigone is dead?
Haemon, as well? The queen has also killed herself? What tragedy! Oh, great
Creon, finally brought to the ground with tears; it is his pride that caused
this! The gods have finally given him what he deserves. “This is the law… That
seeing the stricken heart… Of pride brought down,… We learn when we are old.”
Oh, man, Amy, I am right there with you; the Chorus was a rather tricky thought process to follow as it shifted throughout the play. It was hard to develop their defense and reasoning because so quickly it would change. Anywho, I appreciate that you set the Chorus's perspective up as the viewpoint and guidance for the audience. They reflect what the audience's reasoning should have been, and it was smart that you introduced them as such. I also love your embodiment of their wholehearted devotion to Creon. It is so over the top, and so perfect ^^
ReplyDeleteThis is hilarious! And also, awesome. I agree: the chorus is probably the most challenging to personify, because their job is to assess the OTHERS' defenses, not articulate their own. And as a result, they're totally wishy-washy, reflecting our own shifting perspectives throughout the play. Your elevated syntax is fantastic; I thought it was spot on and it made me chuckle! My favorite part of the play concerning the Chorus is when Haemon tells his dad that people agree with him (in defending Antigone) and that the people of Thebes think Creon is wrong, but everyone is afraid to admit it. I always imagine Creon darting a look at the Chorus and them sheepishly avoiding eye contact. Again: a bit wishy-washy. Great inclusion of quotes and NICE job portraying the shifting sands of the Chorus character.
ReplyDelete15/15
Amy, you were complaining to me about being the chorus, but you did an amazing job. The changing idea throughout the entire post showed exactly /who/ the chorus.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your ending statement about them just being old. The chorus was by far one of the most confusing characters within the story. I finally understand, well, not really understand but, can see their decisions in a clearer light now. Good job :D
15/15 <---I graded it too :D
Psh! You said the chorus would be hard but look at how awesome you made it sound! I loved how you incorporated all important aspects of the play into your blog. You definitely did a spectacular job at emphasizing the feelings of the "audience" at each scene; adding dramatic effect and particular words that catch the readers and watchers. Each thing you said was spot on, as I felt the same way in each situation that happened within the play. I know that is the job of the chorus, but still, awesome job. I see your future job: a Chorus Elder. Perfect
ReplyDelete