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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Scene 5.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Oedipus say he must remain afraid?
(a) because the prophets speak for the gods
(b) because his mother is still alive
(c) because the prophecy will probably be fulfilled in some surprising way
(d) because they have no proof of what the messenger says

2. What argument does Oedipus offer that Teiresias is not really a prophet?
(a) Teiresias is only faking blindness.
(b) Teiresias changes his prophesies from one day to the next.
(c) Teiresias did not answer the Sphinx's riddle.
(d) Teiresias's prophecies conflict with the oracle.

3. Oedipus calls himself the mortal man that the gods...
(a) despise the most
(b) laugh at in his folly
(c) love to torture
(d) should kill to end his misery

4. What does the chorus say about human prophets?
(a) Human prophets are the same as the gods and priests.
(b) Human prophets are always wrong.
(c) It's impossible to tell if human prophets have real knowledge beyond the everyday.
(d) Human prophets have human motivations.

5. What does Oedipus first say to Jocasta, after questioning the messenger about Polybus' death?
(a) He wonders why anyone would pay homage to Apollo's prophets.
(b) He says he must immediately leave for Corinth to see his mother.
(c) He says that this foretells a new era of prosperity in Thebes.
(d) He regrets that he left his home in Corinth without reason.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the messenger say gave Oedipus to Polybus?

2. Who does the priest ask to come as the people's savior?

3. Who is with the approaching shepherd?

4. How many sons does Oedipus have?

5. Who does Jocasta send for after hearing the messenger's news?

(see the answer key)

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