Oedipus at Colonus Rules and Order Quotes

Oedipus is really ticked off at Polyneices because he kicked him out of Thebes after the last family tragedy. He refuses to talk to him, but Antigone reminds him that that, too, is against the rules. She’s a little bit of a party pooper in that sense, but she’s got a point. No matter what happens, Oedipus is Polyneices’ dad and they’ll never be able to change that fact.

Justice, Zeus, and “the ancient laws” all sit together ruling over mortals’ lives, according to Oedipus. This means that, even though the rules seem really unfair, he truly believes that there is justice and power contained in them. It’s interesting to see someone who has suffered so much because of the rules believe in them so wholeheartedly.

The Chorus prays that Oedipus can stay in the sacred grove and finally find peace through death. But for this theme we’re really interested in that first line, “If it be sanctioned by law for me.” The Chorus isn’t exactly sure that it’s even allowed to pray for what it’s praying for, so it inserts a caveat to make sure it’s covered. You certainly don't want to risk upsetting the gods—they might just destroy your whole city.