How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
CHORUS. If you wish to speak
And discuss with me, go away from the forbidden place
And speak where it is lawful for
all to speak. Until then, abstain. (166-69)
The Chorus is kind of like a walking, talking rules-and-regulations sign. But at the sacred grove it’s not just “no dogs” and “no bonfires,” nobody is allowed to be there at all. So the fact that Oedipus is ready to set up camp there makes the Chorus pretty nervous.
Quote #2
ANTIGONE. Father, we ought to do as the townsmen do,
Yielding to what we must and hearkening. (171-72)
Listen to Antigone, Oedipus. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or when in Athens, do as the Athenians do and get the heck out of the sacred grove. There’s a reason that the Chorus tiptoes around calling the Furies “the Friendlies;” they’re scared out of their minds that if they make the Furies mad, they will be pulverized.
Quote #3
ISMENE. First they strove among themselves how to leave the throne
To Creon and not defile the city. (367-68)
Ismene’s brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles, would normally be in line to inherit their father’s throne. The problem is that he committed a grave sin, impregnating his mother and producing Polyneices and Eteocles. So since their very existence is against the rules, their taking the throne might cause some big trouble for Thebes.