Oedipus thinks he will be defending himself if he finds Laius' killer. He is already committed to a political motive for the crime.
As Oedipus and Creon go into the house, the priests leave. From the opposite side, enter the Chorus. These representative Thebans haven't heard Creon's news, or Oedipus' decision to reopen the case. They are still preoccupied with the plague, and are still expecting one of their gods to solve the problem. Zeus, Apollo, Athena, Artemis and Dionysus are all invoked against the grim god of Death who is destroying Thebes. After the Chorus' song, Oedipus re-emerges. He says that he will grant their prayers. He makes a proclamation, telling the people to denounce the murderer, or for him to give himself up. What punishment will he receive?

• None - there'll be a free pardon if he confesses
• Death - but the city will be cleansed
• Exile - banishment from Thebes