Oedipus the King: Journal 4

"O lord of the stormcloud, you who twirl the lightning, Zeus, Father, thunder Death to nothing!" (Pg. 170).

The chorus, representing the people of Thebes, are always calling on the gods. For example, here, when they call on Zeus to rid the city of corruption. Zeus is only one of the many gods that they call to on page 170 and throughout the entire play. It is interesting to compare how Oedipus looks at himself as being able to rid the city of all the corruption himself, but the people still call to the gods instead of to him.

"You pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers" (Pg. 171).

Oedipus tries to get the people to trust in him. He believes that he is able to cure the city of all disease and misfortune. However, throughout the rest of the play, the people continue to call on the gods for help in their terrible situation. This reveals the nature of the relationship between Oedipus and his citizens. The people do not truly believe in him to be able to rid the city of its corruption. They still believe the gods to be all powerful over him.