The plot in this play moves along very smoothly because there is a lot of ironic foreshadowing that is somewhat humorous and enjoyable for the reader. When Jocasta says, “I come with prayers and offerings … I beg you, cleanse us, set us free of defilement!”. She uses the word ‘cleanse’, which has connotations of cleaning something dirty or riding it from sin. This foreshadows the fact the she is Oedipus’ mom.
The chorus in this play serves as a control in the situation because it knows the truth. The chorus is sort of like a conscience that the characters can’t quiet grasp onto. The chorus trusts that the prophecies will come true, and they do. It also helps the plot move along because it has a neutral position in this controversy. It sees the truth clearly because of this neutrality. “Destiny guide me always/Destiny find me filled with reverence/pure in word and deed” (209). This quote proves that the chorus trusts the Gods and respects them. This also contrasts with Oedipus because throughout the whole play he is questioning the prophecies and treating them like he is beyond them and more important than them. He juxtaposes with the chorus because he trusts what the chorus says but he doesn’t actually listen until the end. Oedipus tried to change his destiny and it didn’t work. So the chorus was correct in the end.
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