Dr.Strangelove_
01-03-2017, 02:51 PM
Hello, I am new to this forum and just had one question so far. To anyone who is familiar with Antigone by Sophocles, I sometimes have found the chorus to be redundant.
For example, on page 86 of Robert Fagles translation the chorus says,
"Look, Ismenes coming , weeping a sisters tears, loving sister, under a cloud... her face is flushed, her cheeks streaming. Sorro puts her lovely radiance in the dark."
Obviously the character of Ismenes has already been established in this story, and would not her emotional state be shown to the audience by her acting? Why then does Sophocles take the time to have the chorus explain this? Is it not redundant? Is it not even heavy-handed?
Apologies if i have posted this question to the incorrect thread, but if anyone can give me insight in this regard it will be greatly appreciated.
~Dr. Strangelove
For example, on page 86 of Robert Fagles translation the chorus says,
"Look, Ismenes coming , weeping a sisters tears, loving sister, under a cloud... her face is flushed, her cheeks streaming. Sorro puts her lovely radiance in the dark."
Obviously the character of Ismenes has already been established in this story, and would not her emotional state be shown to the audience by her acting? Why then does Sophocles take the time to have the chorus explain this? Is it not redundant? Is it not even heavy-handed?
Apologies if i have posted this question to the incorrect thread, but if anyone can give me insight in this regard it will be greatly appreciated.
~Dr. Strangelove