Role of Chorus in Oedipus Rex:

Chorus Definition:
“Chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who
described and commented upon the main action of play with song, dance and
recitation.”
The chorus was an essential feature of the ancient Greek tragedy. Aristotle says in
his poetics-
“The chorus too should be regarded as one of actors; it should be an integral
part of the whole and take a share in the action that which it has in Sophocles
rather than Euripides.”
The chorus was a group personality consisting of twelve or fifteen elder citizens.
They used to dance round the alter of Dinonysus, the god of plants, fertility, wine,
music and poetry.
In this way the Chorus came into being as an essential part of the Greek life. The
chorus served as a link between the actors and the audience. It also gave
description of the play and the actors so that the audience may fully realize the
significance.
The functions of chorus in Oedipus Rex are to entertain the audience, to enhance
the workings of the plot and to explain the characters and events. These are the
functions of chorus in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.