Oedipus at Colonus Exile Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #4

CHORUS. Who is the one who is led, laboring so much? What,

May we ask, is the land of your fathers?

OEDIPUS. Strangers, I have no city. But do not… (205-07)

Oedipus no longer says that he’s from Thebes because he’s been driven out. His relationship with his hometown is so broken that he has become an official exile, a man with “no city.” This is a big deal for the Chorus, because they ask Oedipus where he’s from because they want to figure him out. 

Quote #5

CHORUS. Back! Away from this place! Depart from my land! Hurry away,

Lest you fasten some further debt

On my city! (234-36)

As soon as the Chorus figures out that Oedipus is the Oedipus, the one who married his mother and killed his father, they are ready to exile him just like everyone else. This is because they are afraid that his presence will cause calamity for Athens, like it did for Thebes. 

Quote #6

OEDIPUS. [. . .] Many times she roams in the wild

Forests, without food, barefoot,

Afflicted by many storms and by the heat of the sun,

A wretched one. But she believes that having a life in a home

Is of secondary importance, if her father has nurture. (348-52)

Oedipus is an exile, which means that his entourage is, too. He describes his poor daughter, Antigone, revealing more details about the exile life. Being homeless, or exiled, means having no protection: no shoes, no roof, and no protective clothes. It basically sucks, but Antigone chooses exile in an attempt to provide her father with a little comfort. Someone's on track to being daughter of the year.