How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
OEDIPUS. Does someone rule over them or does they say rest with the multitude?
STRANGER. They are ruled by the king of the town. (66-67)
Oedipus is referring to the possibility of democracy, even though he himself is from a kingdom. In fact, he used to be the tyrant—or king—of Thebes, before he was run out. So it’s pretty interesting that he is open to the idea that a city might rule itself. In this case though, nope, there’s a king in charge. No democracy…yet.
Quote #2
OEDIPUS. [ . . .] When your sovereign
Comes, whoever is your leader,
Then he will listen and know everything. Before
This do not become evil in any way. (288-91)
Oedipus holds off the anger of the crowds by calling for their leader. It’s like a scene from an old sci-fi movie where the aliens ask to be taken to whoever’s in charge, and it probably isn’t a bad tactic. Because the Chorus knows that Theseus is coming, they can wait before making a decision about what to do with Oedipus.
Quote #3
ISMENE. But now, from the gods and from an accursed mind
There has come upon the thrice miserable pair an evil strife,
To seize command and the tyrannical power. (371-73)
Ismene is talking about her brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles. She calls them the thrice-miserable pair, meaning they’ve been cursed three times. First by the gods and again from an “accursed mind." But the third cause of their pain is their own lust for power, which makes them fight each other.