BACKGROUND
OEDIPUS AT COLONUS
About twenty years have elapsed since Oedipus' discovery of his true identity. In accordance
with an oracle revealed after his first exile, Oedipus had been permitted to remain at Thebes.
But he was again exiled, this time with the concurrence of Creon, his uncle, and of Eteocles
and Polynices, his two sons. He cursed his sons and went into exile, becoming a wandering
beggar, cared for by his devoted daughter Antigone. Meanwhile, Eteocles became king of
Thebes and thrust out his brother Polynices. The latter fled to Argos where he organized an
expeditionary force against Thebes ("The Seven Against Thebes") to seize the kingdom.
Prologue (fines 1-116): Oedipus, blind and humble, but possessed of an imposing patriarchal
grandeur, arrives at Colonus, near Athens, guided and tended by Antigone. He still possesses
his temper and pride that were his bane in the past, but in this play these traits are directed
only against the forces of evil. He learns from a native that he is in the sacred grove of the
Eumenides at Colonus, and that it is forbidden ground. He prays to the Eumenides for
assistance.
Parodos (117-257): The Chorus of Elders of Colonus enters looking for the stranger reported
trespassing in the sacred grove of the Eumenides. Oedipus comes forward, shocking the Chorus
both by his sacrilege and appearance. He is warned out of the grove and asked to tell who he
is. Reluctantly and under compulsion, he tells them. They express horror when they learn his
identity, and order him to leave the country at once, though they express pity for Oedipus and
Antigone.
First Episode (258.667): Oedipus in a persuasive speech, in which he declares his0innocence
of intent to kill his father and marry his mother, beg for asylum and convinces the Chorus to
wait for King Theseus, who has been summoned. Ismene, Antigone's sister, suddenly arrives on
horseback. Oedipus and Antigone greet Ismene lovingly. He inquires about his neglectful sons,
comparing them with his devoted daughters. Ismene tells how her brothers Polynices and
Eteocles had quarreled over the royal power, deposing Creon, of the expulsion of Polynices by
Eteocles, and of Polynices' projected attack on Thebes with an Argive army. She also reports a
new oracle that Thebes will prosper only if Oedipus is brought back. Creon is coming to take
control of him, so as to possess for his own ends the deciding factor in the welfare of Thebes.
Oedipus curses his sons because they did not recall him when they heard the oracle but
thought only of the throne of Thebes. He offers his services to the Chorus as a future protector
of Athens, if they aid him now. Instructed by the Chorus he prays and sacrifices to the
Eumenides, but because of his blindness, Ismene performs the rites. The Chorus then hears
with horror from Oedipus of his murder of his father, his incestuous relationship with his
mother, and his incest-bred children.
King Theseus of Attica arrives, recognizes Oedipus, and at once offers his sympathy and help.
Oedipus tells Theseus of the coming attempt to seize him and take him to Thebes. He begs to
be permitted to remain in Attica. Theseus grants his wish, and promises him protection from
harm.
First Stasimon (668-719): The Chorus describes in lyrical terms the beauties of Attica,
particularly Colonus.
Second Episode (720-1043): Creon arrives, and with deceitful words pleads with Oedipus to
return to Thebes with him, but the latter refuses, revealing that he knows Creon's purpose. An
angry quarrel ensues, and Oedipus hears from Creon that Ismene has been seized. When Creon
order his guards to carry off Antigone, the Chorus tries to rescue her but fails. Oedipus is about
to be dragged off by Creon when Theseus arrives with his bodyguard. Upon hearing what has
happened, he orders Antigone and Ismene to be brought back, holding Creon as hostage for
their safe return and rebuking him for his highhanded actions. Creon attempts to justify his
acts on the grounds of Oedipus' crimes. Oedipus, with great feeling, proclaims innocence of
wrongdoing, and rebukes Creon. Theseus then forces Creon to lead the way in rescuing the two
girls.
Second Stasimon (1044-1095): The Chorus, anticipating the combat between Theseus and
Creon's guards, prays for sure victory for their king to Zeus, Athena, and Apollo.
Third Episode (1096-1210): Antigone and Ismene return with Theseus to Oedipus. There is
mutual joy, and Oedipus thanks Theseus. Oedipus learns from Theseus that a relative wishes to
talk with him. Knowing that it is Polynices, he refuses to see his hated son. But Antigone
persuades him to consent.
Third Stasimon (1211-1250): Desire for long life is folly, for age brings much grief and
suffering, as witness Oedipus.
Fourth Episode (1251-1555): Polynices enters, professing to be distressed by the sad lot of
Oedipus and Antigone. He tells of his quarrel with Eteocles, his plan to attack Thebes, and asks
for Oedipus' aid, knowing the recent oracles. He promises to take Oedipus back to Thebes.
Oedipus in a crushing speech reminds Polynices of his past treatment of him, when he helped
exile his father; then he curses both brothers and predicts their deaths. Oedipus orders him to
begone. Before departing, Polynices begs his sisters to give him decent burial if he perishes in
the assault of Thebes, which he cannot be dissuaded from undertaking.
As the Chorus comments on the woes of Oedipus and the cyclical pattern of life, thunder is
heard. Oedipus intuitively surmises his imminent death and summons Theseus. When Theseus
arrives, he tells him that his end is near and that he will reveal to him in secret where he is to
die. The spot is to remain the guarded secret of the kings of Athens; it will protect Athens
against Theban aggression. Then a divine summons urges him on, and he moves slowly and
confidently away toward the fated place where he is to die.
Fourth Stasimon (1556-1578): The Chorus prays to the gods of the underworld that Oedipus
may have a painless death.
Exodos (1579-1779): A messenger enters to announce the death of Oedipus. He relates how
Oedipus prepared himself when he reached the fated spot, and bade farewell to his daughters.
Thunder was heard and a divine voice called Oedipus not to delay. Before going he asked
Theseus to aid his daughters. Only Theseus was permitted to be present as Oedipus
mysteriously disappeared-a perfect end for Oedipus.
Antigone and Ismene enter lamenting together with the Chorus. They are apprehensive about
the future but are reassured, When Theseus returns they beg to see Oedipus' tomb, but he
relates that Oedipus enjoined him to keep the place secret. He agrees to send them back to
Thebes.