How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
CHORUS. Alas!
Were you begotten with
Unseeing eyes? Miserable and
Long has your life been, as I would guess. (149-52)
The Chorus isn’t sure whether Oedipus’ blindness is from birth or not. Of course, if they had seen the first play in the series they would know that it was caused by a self-inflicted wound. Either way, they reckon that anyone who has lived without sight must have suffered, and automatically take pity on him. You could go so far as to say they pity the fool, Mr. T would be proud.
Quote #5
OEDIPUS. Do you still have hope that the gods will have
Some regard for me, so that I will someday be saved?
ISMENE. I do, father, from the current prophecies. (385-87)
Oedipus’ suffering is the direct result of his sin against the gods. He has to just accept it, wandering about until the gods change their minds and forgive him. To put it into modern, Christian terms, he wants to be “saved” from his suffering, which, unfortunately, actually just means his death.
Quote #6
CHORUS. It is terrible to awaken the evil,
Oh stranger, that has already lain for so long!
Nevertheless, I feel a passionate longing to know… (510-12)
Ever notice that suffering, when you’re not the one suffering, can be kind of fascinating? Other people’s problems can be very, very interesting, so Oedipus’ suffering inspires the Chorus’ “passionate longing” to know what has happened that would put him in his awful situation.