The Chorus in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex
plays a very specific role. It is the voice of the common people, and their
view of Oedipus their king changes over the course of the play. The words in your
question--"wild, impious, and violent"--are descriptors of King
Oedipus.
At the beginning of the play, Oedipus is still
seen as their savior. If he saved them once (from the Sphinx), he can surely do so
again. The Chorus champions Oedipus in every way. As soon as the blind prophet
Teiresias arrives and is abused by Oedipus, though, the Chorus begins a subtle shift in
thinking regarding their king. When Oedipus treats Creon with vitriol (hatred) and
accuses him of treason, the Chorus no longer defends his actions; and once the
entire truth has been revealed, the Chorus feels only pity for their formerly proud
king.
That middle position--between adulation and pity--is
where they see Oedipus as being "wild, impious, and violent." He has hit an old blind
man, made outrageous accusations against his brother-in-law, and called down curses on
what turns out to be his own head. They say he is "quick of temper," and they are
right. Once the truth is fully revealed, the Chorus sees a patricidal murderer, a
usurper to the throne, and worse--one who committed theimpious action of marrying one's
own mother. The people, as represented by the Chorus, finally see the truth of
Oedipus's character.
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