Oedipus at Colonus Suffering Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #10

CHORUS. The stranger, lord, is a good man. His misfortunes

Are all destructive, and he deserves to be helped. (1014-15)

This is such a curious phrase. The Chorus has decided that Oedipus isn’t so bad after all, more just down on his luck. But what do you make of this “his misfortunes are all destructive” line? It’s as though he should be helped because of all the destruction he has endured. But what misfortune isn’t destructive?