View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. 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.

3. Who does Teiresias say he serves?
(a) Oedipus
(b) Creon
(c) Apollo
(d) Zeus

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

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

6. What is Oedipus' attitude toward Teiresias when he first speaks to the prophet?
(a) defensive and annoyed
(b) angry and ironic
(c) deferential and complimentary
(d) derisive and snide

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

8. Who does the chorus leader say should reveal the murderer?
(a) Creon
(b) Apollo
(c) Oedipus
(d) Laius

9. Who does the priest suggest Oedipus listen to, in order to solve the town's problems?
(a) the blind prophet
(b) Zeus's oracle
(c) the town elders
(d) the gods or wise men

10. Why does Oedipus feel linked to Laius?
(a) He feels bound to Laius by the Sphinx's riddle.
(b) He says the prophets have linked him to Laius.
(c) He is now married to Laius' wife.
(d) He feels drawn to the memory of Laius.

11. What does Creon say has caused the disasters to the town?
(a) a slight to the gods
(b) a fight between protecting gods
(c) an unfulfilled prophecy
(d) an unavenged murder

12. What does the priest point out about Oedipus overcoming the Sphinx?
(a) Oedipus was able to defeat the Sphinx because of his powerful arm and his connections to royalty.
(b) Oedipus had no more knowledge or instruction than the townspeople, and yet was able to solve the riddle.
(c) Oedipus used superior training to defeat the Sphinx, and no one else had the same benefits.
(d) Oedipus defeated the Sphinx only out of sheer luck.

13. What does the priest say that Oedipus will be king of, if he doesn't solve the town's problems?
(a) a mountain
(b) an ocean
(c) a forest
(d) a desert

14. Why does the priest say they've come to Oedipus?
(a) because he's the first among men
(b) because he's a god to the town
(c) because he's the one they all blame
(d) because he's got the power of wealth

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Does Oedipus say he's ever met Laius?

2. Where are the townspeople who are not gathered to speak with Oedipus?

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

4. Why does Oedipus say his sorrow is greater than the townspeople?

5. How does Teiresias respond when Oedipus says the prophet speaks in riddles?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 728 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample