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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. Who accused Oedipus of not being his father's real son?

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

3. Who does Jocasta say Laius had with him, as an escort?

4. Does the shepherd identify the messenger as someone he's met?

5. What does Creon say Oedipus can do, if he finds proof Creon's lying?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Oedipus react to Creon's self defense?

2. What is Jocasta's response, when Oedipus wants to find and question the shepherd that the messenger said gave him the infant Oedipus?

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

4. What is the first thing Oedipus tells Jocasta, when he tells her about the argument between himself and Creon?

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

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

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

8. What main news does the messenger from Corinth bring?

9. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss denial in Oedipus.

1) When and how much does Jocasta know about Oedipus' background and crimes? Does Jocasta realize what is going on, at least on some level, and hide it from herself? What characteristics does she have that might make this plausible?

2) When and how much does Oedipus know about his own background and crimes? Is Oedipus in denial of his crimes at all?

3) Does the chorus seem to have any inkling of the truth? Is it possible that the people of the town could be in denial? Support your reasoning with evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss justice in the play.

1) What acts in the play call for retribution by the gods? Why are these acts singled out? What makes an act call for justice?

2) Are the gods in the play just or unjust? Does Oedipus truly deserve punishment?

3) How does a ruler mete out justice? Is Oedipus a just ruler? What qualities in a ruler promote justice? Use examples from the play.

(see the answer keys)

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