Apparently trying to confirm and clarify his understanding of what Oidipous said, Kreon makes use of the same word just spoken by the chorus leader, who by γνώμῃ meant something like the faculty of reason. In the plural (γνώμαις), however, it means something more like reasons or suppositions in support of a plan or concept. Kreon correctly assumes that Oidipous would seek a rational and practical motive for the seer’s outrageous charges. He clearly knows Oidipous well, and the audience might further suppose, based perhaps on its own awareness of faction fighting within the governing bodies, that Oidipous may previously have exhibited a keen sensitivity to possible attempts on his power and position. [Mg] Assessing Oidipous’s fear of a plot from the vantage of its knowledge of the myth, however, the audience will know that the chief threat to his rule lies not with political schemers but with the gods. That being so, Oidipous’s assumptions can be seen to be drawing his attention away from the truth and the proper focus for his concerns. [Mpea] Assuming its awareness of plotting and in-fighting within its own administration, the Athenian audience would now have to consider that the faction advocating greater reliance on divine guidance through prophecy may be not only sincere but clear-sighted. [Mi] [Mw]