Chorus Flashcards
Who are they?
“We are the Persian council, left in trust”
group of Persian elders who were left in charge when Xerxes left (important enough to be given that responsibility)
How are the chorus presented?
As:
- emotional
- knowledgeable
- gloomy
- respectful
Emotional
OVERLY EMOTIONAL
worry and care deeply for Xerxes and Persia
“our hearts heave in our breasts”
concerned with the loss of Persian youth and death and mothers left grieving
“flower of manhood”
“land that nursed them now grieves”
“countless women, partners in one grief”
-> deeply care for Persia and its future
“Persian hearts no fear can sway”
-deep Persian patriotism
deep sadness at the loss/defeat
“weep and lament” repetition
“innocent tears”
“o grief and grief again”
choral ode where they grieve their country and all lost
“accusing groan” “ruins of our Persian pride
believe defeat was the end of Persia forever
“deadly doom” “bit the dust” “why have we lived so long?”
Knowledgeable
give advice to Atossa that she eventually follows
-> wise, old “all will be well”
knowledgeable about Athens & Greece in conversation with Atossa
“they have soldiers who once struck Persian arms a fearful blow”
Gloomy
end the Parados on a gloomy tone “weeps out her lonely life”
->foreshadows loss to come
set out continual gloomy tone for rest of play by being constantly worried about the army etc. even before any news has come (undercut all mentions of Persian glory)
Respectful
huge religious respect for Darius and they love him
-won’t even speak to him
“reverence forbids us” “for reverence we dare not speak before you”
“good king Darius”
prostrate before Atossa
“dread” compliment all the time
Xerxes never far from their thoughts
BUT they realise he has ruined bond between king and nations and they respond to this by emphasising the effects of Xerxes behaviour on Persia (ended it forever)
What do the chorus do?
describe events and offe answers but they are willing to give opinions
Who intimidates the chorus?
they were intimidated at first by Atossa and then by Darius
Who intimidates the chorus?
they were intimidated at first by Atossa and then by Darius
What emotions do the chorus express?
grief
great anxiety about safety of Persian Empire which seems to depend on the prestige of Xerxes
