What is the significance of the Chorus in the play?

The significance of the Chorus in "Oedipus Rex" lies in its role as a commentator on the action and events of the play. By offering reflections, the Chorus helps to convey the moral lessons and themes that underpin the narrative. This function serves to deepen the audience's understanding of the characters' struggles and the consequences of their actions, particularly regarding fate, free will, and the pursuit of truth.

Through its odes and remarks, the Chorus provides context and emotional resonance, guiding the audience's reactions and interpretations of the unfolding tragedy. It embodies the societal perspective of the time and often expresses the collective thoughts and feelings of the citizens of Thebes, which adds to the dramatic effect and engages the audience more directly with the story's ethical implications. This role is essential in highlighting the themes of knowledge, ignorance, and the human condition that are central to the play.