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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Before he leaves, what does Oedipus say will happen?
(a) Either the murderer will be caught and punished, or else they will all be ruined.
(b) The murderer will definitely be caught and punished.
(c) The whole town, and Oedipus himself, will definitely be ruined.
(d) The gods will decide the outcome, and the murderer's fate is in their hands.

2. What does the priest call pestilence?
(a) a sinister snake
(b) a thundering beast
(c) a roaring lion
(d) a fiery god

3. What does the chorus leader tell Oedipus about the murderer?
(a) that he suspects who the murderer is but doesn't know
(b) that the murderer likely had nothing to do with Thebes
(c) that he is not the murderer and doesn't know who the murderer is
(d) that he doesn't want to know who the murderer is

4. Who does the priest say has gathered?
(a) all the young and hearty townspeople
(b) townspeople from the very young to the very old
(c) everyone but those ill from disease
(d) all the sick and elderly townspeople

5. How does Oedipus react to Teiresias' unwillingness to speak?
(a) with fear
(b) with sorrow
(c) angrily
(d) jokingly

6. What does Teiresias believe about future events?
(a) They can be stopped but only by Oedipus.
(b) They can be stopped by his silence.
(c) He cannot change them.
(d) They are for the best.

7. What does Teiresias say makes him strong?
(a) the gods
(b) the truth
(c) his powers
(d) anger

8. What does Oedipus decree that no citizen of Thebes shall do?
(a) shelter, talk, or consort with the murderer
(b) leave the town until the murderer is found
(c) pray to any god but Apollo until the murderer is found
(d) talk or gossip about the murder

9. What does Oedipus say the killers had to have?
(a) a dictate from a god
(b) financial help from Thebes
(c) a dictate from a prophet
(d) a promise of reward from Corinth

10. Where are the townspeople who are not gathered to speak with Oedipus?
(a) in their graves
(b) at home, caring for the sick
(c) at the gods' shrines asking for help
(d) in the fields, trying to cure the diseases

11. What does the chorus leader think of Oedipus' curses on the murderer?
(a) that the murderer will make fun of them
(b) that the murderer will take them seriously
(c) that the murderer will ignore them
(d) that the murderer will laugh at them

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

13. What is Oedipus' initial attitude toward the crowd that has gathered?
(a) critical and derisive
(b) caring and helpful
(c) overjoyed and cheerful
(d) angry and annoyed

14. What does Oedipus accuse Creon of?
(a) wanting to marry Jocasta himself
(b) trying to overthrow him for the sake of power and riches
(c) setting the Sphinx upon Thebes
(d) killing Laius and causing the plagues

15. What does Oedipus ask of the citizens of Thebes?
(a) He orders them to hold a great celebration in the town.
(b) He orders them to go to the shrines and give offerings to the gods.
(c) He orders them to gather together and stay in their houses.
(d) He orders them to reveal the murderer, if they know who he is.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Creon wearing on his head as he approaches the town?

2. What does Oedipus ask Teiresias to do, after Teiresias says Oedipus is the murderer?

3. What does the chorus leader rebuke both Oedipus and Teiresias for?

4. Who does the priest suggest Oedipus listen to, in order to solve the town's problems?

5. What does Oedipus say he has to fear from Laius' murderer?

(see the answer keys)

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