How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
OEDIPUS. May They receive the suppliant graciously,
So that I would no longer depart from the prayerful seat of this land! (44-45)
It might be hard to tell what’s going on here due to Oedipus’ lofty language. The suppliant is someone who asks for something or prays. In this case, that’s Oedipus. So he’s asking the Furies to please treat him kindly, so that he doesn’t ever have to leave their sacred grove. We wonder what they’ll say.
Quote #5
STRANGER. You will know whatever I know if you listen.
All the land here is sacred. Solemn Poseidon
Possesses it. In it also dwells the god who brought fire,
The Titan Prometheus. (53-56)
Wait, we thought that the Furies were in charge of the land. Apparently it’s so sacred that several gods are in charge of it. So far, the roster includes the Furies, Poseidon, who’s Theseus’ favorite god, and also Prometheus, who is known for being very smart and keeping people alive. All very powerful gods.
Quote #6
OEDIPUS. When He pronounced those many evils to me,
He also said that, after a long time, this should be a resting place;
That I would come to a final country, where I should find
A seat of the solemn gods and a refuge for strangers. (87-90)
The “He” Oedipus is talking about here is Phoebus, aka Apollo. He told Oedipus that he was going to have to suffer for all the evils he committed. Um…yeah, that definitely happened. But there's a silver lining—he also said that after his suffering Oedipus would finally get to die in a peaceful, sacred place. That’s why he’s so happy to be here.