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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Teiresias respond when Oedipus says the prophet speaks in riddles?
(a) that Oedipus is good at solving riddles
(b) that the truth is as complex as a riddle
(c) that Oedipus will wish this riddle were never solved
(d) that life is a riddle

2. How does Creon's face look as he approaches?
(a) angry
(b) sad
(c) happy
(d) nonexpressive

3. Where has Oedipus sent Creon?
(a) to the kingdom of Corinth
(b) to Zeus's oracle
(c) to Apollo's shrine
(d) to wander the wilderness

4. How has Teiresias' pronouncement made the chorus feel?
(a) irritated
(b) angry
(c) sorrowful
(d) fearful

5. What does Oedipus say he has to fear from Laius' murderer?
(a) The murderer may want to kill the new king, too.
(b) The murderer may want to kill the queen, Laius's wife.
(c) The murderer may seek revenge on Oedipus for trying to find him.
(d) The murderer may flee quietly and leave the town to suffer the gods' wrath.

6. What does Creon say about the god's call to avenge Laius' death now?
(a) He says it will be an easy task.
(b) He says the gods have asked the impossible.
(c) He says it is too late for revenge.
(d) He says it is fitting.

7. Who does Teiresias say he was "wise enough" to?
(a) Oedipus' parents
(b) Apollo
(c) the gods
(d) Creon

8. What does Teiresias say about the murderer's financial condition?
(a) that he is rich but not in spirit
(b) that he is rich but cannot buy contentment
(c) that he is rich with wealth but not love
(d) that he is rich but will be poor

9. What deal does Oedipus offer the murderer if he gives himself in?
(a) Oedipus offers the murderer a place in Corinth in exchange for banishment from Thebes.
(b) Oedipus offers to limit the murderer's banishment.
(c) Oedipus offers to banish the murderer instead of killing him.
(d) Oedipus offers the murderer his choice of death or banishment.

10. Why does the chorus think it's time for the murderer to flee?
(a) Zeus' son, Apollo, is against him.
(b) The ire of the city is rising against him.
(c) Teiresias will eventually name him.
(d) Oedipus is against him.

11. Who does the chorus leader say should reveal the murderer?
(a) Apollo
(b) Oedipus
(c) Creon
(d) Laius

12. What does Oedipus ask Teiresias to do, after Teiresias says Oedipus is the murderer?
(a) leave Thebes immediately
(b) fall on his knees and pray
(c) repeat what he's said
(d) fight him

13. What does Oedipus first say to Creon as he approaches?
(a) He asks why Creon is so late.
(b) He asks why Creon looks so strange.
(c) He asks who Creon has spoken to.
(d) He asks what message the gods sent.

14. At the beginning of the play, where have the townspeople gathered?
(a) in the forest
(b) in front of the palace
(c) at the oracle
(d) in a shrine

15. What does Creon say about Laius' companions when he was killed?
(a) The king was alone.
(b) They all ran away.
(c) They were all killed.
(d) They were all killed but one, who ran away.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Creon say has caused the disasters to the town?

2. What does Oedipus decree that no citizen of Thebes shall do?

3. Before he leaves, what does Oedipus say will happen?

4. What does Oedipus wish for himself, if he unknowingly hosted the murderer at his home?

5. Why does Oedipus say his sorrow is greater than the townspeople?

(see the answer keys)

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