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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Oedipus do when the messenger questions him about the prophecy that drove Oedipus away from his parents?
(a) Oedipus tells the messenger to ask the prophet about it.
(b) Oedipus tells the messenger he has no wish to repeat the prophecy, or think about it.
(c) Oedipus tells the messenger he has no right to know the prophecy.
(d) Oedipus tells the messenger the prophecy.

2. What does Jocasta bring to the shrine of Apollo outside the castle gates?
(a) a garland and incense
(b) a scarlet cape
(c) her youngest child
(d) a gift from Teiresias

3. How does Oedipus react to the chorus' pleas?
(a) Oedipus refuses to listen to the chorus.
(b) Oedipus gives in to the chorus unwillingly, foreseeing doom to himself.
(c) Oedipus decides not to change his decision, though the chorus makes him doubtful.
(d) Oedipus is convinced by the chorus and gladly does what they ask.

4. What does Oedipus ask about Polybus' death?
(a) what time of day he died
(b) whether his mother knows of the death
(c) what Polybus said before his death
(d) what the cause of his death was

5. What does Oedipus seem to think Jocasta is afraid of learning about his birth?
(a) that he's Polybus' son after all
(b) that he's older than they believed
(c) that he's of low social status
(d) that he's not born of natural parents

Short Answer Questions

1. What simile does Jocasta use to describe the people of Thebes?

2. What did Oedipus' parent say about the accusation that Oedipus was not their son?

3. Where did the old shepherd grow up?

4. When Creon turns the tables and begins questioning Oedipus, what is the first question he asks?

5. What does Creon say his current position brings?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jocasta try to stop Oedipus from trying to find out the truth of his birth?

2. Why does Oedipus question how his father could love him?

3. How does the chorus react to Creon's self defense?

4. When Oedipus is questioning Creon, why does he ask Creon how long it's been since Laius was killed?

5. What is Oedipus's attitude toward his wife?

6. What does Oedipus say, when he finally finds out the truth about his past and his present situation?

7. What is the chorus' attitude toward Oedipus, in his conflict with Creon?

8. What is the shepherd's reaction to being questioned about the infant he gave away and being told that Oedipus is that infant?

9. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

10. What did the oracle at Delphi tell Oedipus about his parentage?

(see the answer keys)

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