Oedipus the King | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Scene 1

1. Describe what the people of Thebes have with them at the beginning of the play.

2. What reason does Oedipus give for coming himself to see the crowd of people who have gathered at the beginning of the play?

3. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

4. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

5. What is the attitude of the townspeople when they speak to Oedipus?

6. What does the priest appeal to in asking Oedipus to save the city?