1. Parados We, the people of Thebes, suffer from a horrible plague and fear our future! What is the oracle at Delphi? May Apollo take pity on us and save us! We, the people of Thebes, suffer from a horrible plague and fear our future! What is the oracle at Delphi? May Apollo take pity on us and save us! Reaffirms the exposition and emotional impact of the priest’s words; sets up the entire plot. Reaffirms the exposition and emotional impact of the priest’s words; sets up the entire plot.

2. Ode (Stasimon 1) The murderer of Laius will be found and punished. Oedipus has saved us from the sphinx and will save us from this plague, though Teiresias’ should not be doubted. The murderer of Laius will be found and punished. Oedipus has saved us from the sphinx and will save us from this plague, though Teiresias’ should not be doubted. Expresses loyalty of the people to Oedipus as their hero; shows reverence for the laws of the universe (the gods and their prophets); poses the true problem for Oedipus—to find the murderer of Laius Expresses loyalty of the people to Oedipus as their hero; shows reverence for the laws of the universe (the gods and their prophets); poses the true problem for Oedipus—to find the murderer of Laius

3. Ode (Stasimon) 2 Those who ignore the gods, their prophecies, and their laws will fall from pride. What is happening to cause so many to begin doubting the oracles? Those who ignore the gods, their prophecies, and their laws will fall from pride. What is happening to cause so many to begin doubting the oracles? Reiterates the rising question regarding FATE— Who is in control of one’s destiny? Man or fate? Reiterates the rising question regarding FATE— Who is in control of one’s destiny? Man or fate?

4. Ode (Stasimon) 3 What is the truth behind Oedipus’ identity? Is he from the gods? Who brought Oedipus to Cithaeron? What is the truth behind Oedipus’ identity? Is he from the gods? Who brought Oedipus to Cithaeron? Mystery, enthusiasm, and expectations of Oedipus’ true identity are heightened before his fall, making his downfall that much more tragic. Mystery, enthusiasm, and expectations of Oedipus’ true identity are heightened before his fall, making his downfall that much more tragic.

5. Ode (Stasimon) 4 No one was ever greater than Oedipus, yet EVEN HE—a king and a hero—has fallen! We weep for the outcast of the world. All truth is understood too late! No one was ever greater than Oedipus, yet EVEN HE—a king and a hero—has fallen! We weep for the outcast of the world. All truth is understood too late! References to blindness foreshadow Oedipus’ final state of self- mutilation and prepares the audience for the final lesson. References to blindness foreshadow Oedipus’ final state of self- mutilation and prepares the audience for the final lesson.

6. Exodus Do not presume yourself to be fortunate and happy until you are at the end of your life and can look back. Do not presume yourself to be fortunate and happy until you are at the end of your life and can look back. Presents the final warning and lesson to the audience—none of us should be overly arrogant about our destiny or place in life. Presents the final warning and lesson to the audience—none of us should be overly arrogant about our destiny or place in life.