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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. How does Creon's face look as he approaches?

4. Why does Oedipus feel linked to Laius?

5. Who does the priest say has gathered?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Oedipus' attitude toward Teiresias change during their first discussion?

2. What is Teiresias referring to when he says Oedipus and his children will be "equals"?

3. What does Oedipus promise to do when Creon returns?

4. What rumor does the chorus leader remind Oedipus of?

5. Why does Oedipus offer a deal to the murderer and set rules for the people of Thebes?

6. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

7. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

8. What reason does Teiresias give for coming to see Oedipus?

9. How does Teiresias feel about having come to see Oedipus at the king's request?

10. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss free will and predestination in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) Is Oedipus predestined to his fate, or does he have free will? Are these two ideas completely incompatible?

2) Can Oedipus be held responsible for his actions, if his fate is predestined?

3) How does predestination affect the position of a ruler? Are all the joys and woes that befall the ruler's lands predestined? What is the role of the leader, if fate is predestined?

Essay Topic 2

There is a saying that "ignorance is bliss." Discuss knowledge versus ignorance in the context of the play.

1) Why is Oedipus driven to seek out the truth about himself? Why isn't he afraid of what he might find?

2) Why does Jocasta not want Oedipus to find out the truth, even when she has clearly realized it herself? Could there be any benefit to the characters in continuing to live in ignorance?

3) In the end of the play, if Oedipus could go back and undo his own knowledge, do you think he would? Use evidence from the play to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss blindness in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) Why is the character of Teiresias blind? Does his blindness increase his prophetic ability? Does his blindness have a metaphoric quality?

2) Discuss Oedipus's choice of blindness as a punishment. Why does Oedipus choose to be blind? Is Oedipus's blindness metaphoric?

3) What other metaphoric meanings does blindness have in the story? Use quotations from the play as examples.

(see the answer keys)

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