Describe the functions of the Chorus (and the Choragos) in Oedipus Rex.What is the relationship of the choral odes to the play’s action?

In Greek drama, the Chorus, though
considered one character, is actually a group of people performing odes from the very
edge of the stage (or what would today look like the orchestra section in an opera
house).  The Choragos is one actor who often speaks alone, and is
meant to represent the entire chorus on stage.

One of the
best ways to understand (and remember) the function of the chorus
in Greek drama, is to remember that originally, these stories were actual
plays, first experienced by audiences by a performance on a stage, rather than words in
a book.

As such the chorus had many important
roles:

1. Structure/Flow:
   The chorus, which speaks during choral odes at the beginning or end
   of scenes, acts like a "narrator" to open and close scenes, providing background
   information where necessary, summing up the action of a scene at the end, setting a
   sense of visual scenery (of which there was very little in the way of actual props),
   and, providing a break in the flow of the action.  Additionally, the structure of a
   Greek play was very strict and playwrights understood the audience would expect this. 
   Again, this is similar to film makers today.  Imagine a typical romantic comedy or
   horror film.  The audience knows who will end up with whom at the end, who will live and
   who will die, and we do expect a climax until a certain number of complications have
   taken
   place.


2. Explanation/Opinion:
   in many ways, drama for ancient Greece was just like the media or television shows are
   for a modern audience.  In addition to providing entertainment, they were a commentary
   things which were socially, politically, and culturally relevant to the actual
   audience.  The chorus often voiced the opposing positions of popular debates.  Rather
   than serving as the voice of the poet himself, the chorus was most often written to
   reflect the feelings of the audience.  When commenting directly to the action on stage,
   the chorus provides summary and explanation.  When commenting more toward the actual
   audience in the play, the chorus demonstrates a shift in tone or mood (much like music
   and lighting in modern
   film).


3. Lyrical/Poetic: the
   Chorus' interludes are called "odes" for a reason.  Though they may not have been
   sung, the language itself was written with a specific rhythm, often
   included rhyme, and flowed like poetry.  In addition to every other function, the choral
   odes most clearly establish and drive home the meaningful themes of the drama.  Religion
   played a major part of the ancient Greek's life, and the chorus demonstrates both the
   worship and the fear of the gods and their power.  It also portrays the sacred
   importance of tradition in both life and
   death.