What is the role of the choir in Oedipus Rex? In answering this question, I will look at this question in two ways. First, I will examine the role of the chorus objectively, examining the fundamental role of the chorus in the play and looking at the role of the chorus in the way Sophocles would have wanted it to be understood. However, I will then examine how I think the Greek audience would have perceived the role of the Chorus and then how the role of the Chorus is perceived today in the 20th century and examine the key differences between the two different types of perceptions. Finally, I will examine the importance of the role of the chorus for 20th century and Greek audiences respectively. The chorus in the opera Oedipus has three fundamental functions. First, act as spectators throughout the play, observing what happens, reacting, and offering opinions at regular intervals throughout the play (e.g., when Oedipus irrationally accuses Croon of conspiring against him, the chorus says "A who fears falling, his words seem good; O king, quick advice is not always safe") In this role they are important to the work as they often offer the voice of reason during moments of heated debate, the voice of fear and the confusion during Oedipus' fall, which seem to mirror the audience's reaction and emotion in many situations throughout the show. The Chorus is also used as a sort of receptive audience for descriptive passages of what happened behind closed doors (e.g., after Jocasta realizes the truth, the second messenger describes the scene inside the palace to the Chorus: " Inside the porch, straight rushed to the sofa, his wedding bed, and tore his hair") Secondly,...... middle of the paper...... happens. They also maintain continuity as their presence eliminates any need for scene or act changes. In Greek theater they take on a significant role in emphasizing the plot by groups speaking in unison rather than by a single actor trying to reach the ears of around 17,000 people. listeners. They were, after all, a natural part of Greek theater and their absence would surely reflect an unorthodox presentation. They also keep the emotion alive as any scene change can be made during the narrative sections. In a 20th century production the chorus plays a seemingly less essential role. Since there would be extensive sound amplification, the choir could be projected onto the role of city people which would fit perfectly into the structure of the opera. Works Cited: Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1991.