Journal #11 - Anitgone

At the beginning of the play, the Chorus is depicted as a neutral character. He does not take a side, and merely gives his observations of the characters and events. The Chorus had a more explanatory role. However, later in the play, the Chorus takes a role similar to that of Fate, if Fate was a character with all the powers that fate has. He tells of how the spring is wound, and will release at the slightest disturbance, and then explains that the release will be inevitable. The Chorus takes on a tone of confidence, speaking what he knows to be true. He tells of the coming events and leaves no room for prediction. He dictates that a string of events will happen. The Chorus then explains that this is what tragedy is. Tragedy does not have hope, because there is no room for hope. He explains that one cannot hope because one knows what will inevitably happen. The chorus defines tragedy as the lack of doubt.