How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
CHORUS. Know, child of Oedipus, that we do pity you—
And equally this one—for your misfortune.
But we tremble before what the gods may do! We would lack the strength
To speak beyond what we have just said. (254-57)
The gods are, as you can see, pretty vengeful in Oedipus’ world. The Chorus is pretty smart to be afraid of them. That’s why they are trying to get Oedipus to exit swiftly, to avoid the revenge of the Furies. And given that the supernatural is super-real in Oedipus, we can’t blame them.
Quote #8
CHORUS. Offer now a purification to these deities, to Whom
You first came and Whose ground you trod on.
OEDIPUS. In what way? Oh strangers, instruct me.
CHORUS. First, bring a sacred drink offering from the ever-flowing
Spring, touching it with hands that are pious. (466-70)
The Chorus is willing to let Oedipus stay in the sacred grove if he’s willing to jump through some sacred hoops. Usually human beings can find a way to interact with the supernatural, and in this case it’s through an offering. If Oedipus will give the Furies an offering, they might not kill him for trespassing on their land.
Quote #9
OEDIPUS. I come to give this miserable body of mine
As a gift to you, not a serious thing to behold, but
The gains from it are superior to any beautiful form. (576-78)
Oedipus, at the end of his sad, cursed, miserable life, is offering up his body as a good-luck charm to Athens. It’s as though by dying in this sacred space, he could be converted from a flawed, decaying human being into a supernatural, sacred being. And it works. Pretty cool, huh?