Question

Contrast the imagery used by the Chorus and the Chorus Leader in Strophe 1. How do these images

Answer 1

Answer with Explanation:

The "Chorus" and the "Chorus Leader" in Strophe 1 show different tones and attitudes when it comes to describing the army from Argos, which Polynices commanded as they were about to attack Thebes.

The Chorus uses an "optimistic or positive tone" while the Chorus Leader uses a "pessimistic or negative tone." Just by stating, "O ray of sunlight," at the beginning, the Chorus then gives hope to the people in Thebes. Although the warriors were marching towards Thebes, the beautiful sunlight was more dominant than the white-shields of the warriors.

On the other hand, the Chorus Leader's tone sets the city aback. It used the phrases "piercing screams" and "hordes of warriors in arms." These give tense to the situation. These also reinforce the power of the army, which renders the city helpless with its angry warriors coming in huge number.