Chorus

Definition

In literature and drama, a chorus refers to a group of characters who comment on the main action of the narrative, often providing background information, emotional insight, or thematic commentary. This device serves as a bridge between the audience and the characters, helping to establish context and enhance the overall meaning of the work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Samson Agonistes', the chorus is composed of Israelites who reflect the moral and spiritual struggles faced by Samson, offering both commentary and a collective voice for the community.
2. The chorus in this work helps to underscore themes of fate, free will, and divine justice, enhancing the dramatic tension as Samson grapples with his downfall.
3. Unlike traditional Greek choruses that might sing, the chorus in 'Samson Agonistes' primarily speaks in verse, emphasizing their role as observers and commentators rather than participants in the action.
4. Throughout the play, the chorus also serves to evoke empathy from the audience towards Samson, making his tragic plight more relatable and poignant.
5. Milton uses the chorus strategically to explore philosophical questions about strength, weakness, and redemption, allowing them to articulate ideas that resonate throughout the narrative.

Review Questions

• How does the chorus function within 'Samson Agonistes' to enhance the themes of the narrative?
  • The chorus in 'Samson Agonistes' acts as a reflective voice that highlights key themes such as fate versus free will and divine justice. By commenting on Samson's struggles and moral dilemmas, they offer insights into his character and actions while also representing the collective perspective of the Israelite community. This enhances the emotional weight of Samson's tragedy and invites the audience to contemplate broader philosophical questions about human experience.
• Analyze the significance of the chorus's role as a moral compass within 'Samson Agonistes'. How do they influence both the protagonist and the audience's understanding of his actions?
  • The chorus serves as a moral compass throughout 'Samson Agonistes' by articulating societal values and expectations that contrast with Samson's personal choices. They provide commentary that reflects on his past actions and their consequences while urging him toward repentance and reflection. This influence shapes not only Samson's self-perception but also guides the audience's understanding of his tragic flaws, enhancing their emotional engagement with his plight.
• Evaluate how Milton's use of the chorus in 'Samson Agonistes' reflects his broader philosophical concerns about freedom and restraint. What implications does this have for understanding Milton's views on human nature?
  • Milton's use of the chorus in 'Samson Agonistes' offers profound insights into his philosophical concerns regarding freedom, restraint, and human nature. The chorus embodies the struggle between divine will and individual agency, prompting reflections on how choices shape one's destiny. This exploration suggests that Milton views human nature as inherently conflicted—capable of both greatness and failure. By employing the chorus as a vehicle for these ideas, Milton encourages readers to grapple with complex questions about morality, accountability, and the human condition.

Related terms

Dramatic Monologue:

A type of poem or speech in which a single character speaks to an audience, revealing their thoughts and feelings in a dramatic manner.

Ode: A lyrical stanza or poem that expresses praise or admiration, often addressed to a specific subject or person.

Allegory:

A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize broader themes and concepts, often conveying moral, social, or political messages.