1. Appeals to Apollo: The chorus reminds Oedipus of the importance of Apollo's oracle and the need to respect the gods' pronouncements. They urge him to accept the oracle's warning about his destiny and avoid delving further into dangerous secrets.
2. Advocacy for Caution: The chorus expresses concerns about the consequences of Oedipus' actions and warns him against hasty decisions. They advise him to proceed cautiously and think through the implications of his pursuit before acting impulsively.
3. Emphasis on Wisdom: The chorus emphasizes the value of wisdom and prudence in decision-making. They praise the importance of seeking wise counsel and consulting experienced advisors before taking actions that may have profound and irreversible consequences.
4. Acceptance of Fate: The chorus encourages Oedipus to accept his fate as determined by the gods. They suggest that humans have limited control over their destiny, and trying to alter or escape one's fate may lead to further suffering and misfortune.
5. Warnings and Prophecies: The chorus shares ominous warnings and prophecies that hint at the tragic consequences of Oedipus' actions. By presenting visions of potential disasters, they hope to dissuade him from persisting in his quest for knowledge.
6. Appeals to Tradition: The chorus invokes traditional religious practices and moral values to guide Oedipus' behavior. They remind him of the importance of piety and reverence for the divine order of the universe.
7. Empathy and Concern: The chorus expresses genuine empathy and concern for Oedipus' well-being. They want to protect him from self-inflicted harm and suffering, and their attempts to modify his course of action stem from their care for his safety and happiness.
8. Collective Wisdom: As a group representing the collective conscience of the community, the chorus offers a collective perspective that reflects prudence, accumulated knowledge, and common sense. They hope that their united voice can influence Oedipus and sway him toward more cautious choices.
Despite the chorus' efforts, Oedipus' relentless pursuit of knowledge ultimately leads him to uncover the tragic truth about his past and his role in fulfilling the prophecy. The chorus' attempts to modify his insistence on acquiring knowledge serve to build dramatic tension and contribute to the play's exploration of themes related to fate, free will, and the limits of human understanding.