What role does the chorus play in the play? In ancient Greek plays, the role of the chorus was to sing lyrical passages. The lyrical passages were set upby the writer and the chorus would then perform dance movements to compliment those lyrics. In today’s day andage, it is the cast members in many musicals who depict the role as the chorus. However, in some cases, the chorusalso helps assist the modern reader in interpreting ancient terminology used during that period. I believe that the chorus held a very important role in the play Antigone, by Sophocles. The loyal andreligious citizens of Thebes, who are very devoted to their state, represent the chorus. These citizens also haveexcellent moral values portrayed in them. The author uses the chorus as a way to illustrate the reaction that the publichas to the events that occur throughout the play. It (The chorus) can be considered the narrator of the story; it “filled inthe gaps” so to speak. They also help the readers (or viewers considering ancient Greek times) to better comprehendthe entire concept of the play, as well as allowing the readers or the viewers to foresee the imminent tale. In the usualcourse of events, the chorus is used to apply a setting, or a mood in the play. For example on page 1281, the chorusdescribes the entrance of Isemes as she comes in as, “weeping a sister’s tears, …her face flushed, her cheeksstreaming….” The author sensibly chooses for the chorus to narrate this event because, this very minute detailprovides the audience to picture the state that the character is in. Similarly, on page 1283, the chorus describes thepower of Zeus as being the foremost, unbeatable power. This is quoted in the text as, “power that neither sleep, theall –ensnaring no, nor the tireless months of heaven can ever overmaster- young through all time, mighty lord ofpower….” I feel that the chorus adds flavor t...
