The Chorus is resolved to take Oidipous’s δαίμονα (“spirit”) as its example, but by this it seems to mean not his attitude or temperament but his experience of misfortune—this is what it meant when it spoke a moment before of εὐδαιμονία—good fortune. If by δαίμονα it means an external spirit, then it is clearly misjudging Apollo, whose destructive force has been meant to serve no other purpose than to serve as an example (παράδειγμα) for mankind. [Apc] [Ad] That the Theban Chorus is presently unable to appreciate the meaning and value of this example suggests that it thereby condemns itself to prolong the suffering beyond the demise of Oidipous and Iokaste. [Mpei] [Aj] [Mw] If the Athenian audience similarly misjudges the example offered it by this play, it will similarly invite or extend its own suffering. [Gt-a]