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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Teiresias answer when Oedipus asks the identity of his father?
(a) That Oedipus has two fathers.
(b) That Oedipus truly knows who his father is.
(c) That Oedipus will be better off not knowing.
(d) That it will be revealed today and destroy Oedipus.

2. Where does Creon say the murderer of Lauis is?
(a) hiding in the countryside
(b) in Corinth
(c) on the nearby mountain
(d) in Thebes

3. What does Teiresias say Oedipus doesn't know?
(a) the power of prophecy
(b) the name of the murderer
(c) the true wishes of the gods
(d) the family he's come from

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What argument does Oedipus offer that Teiresias is not really a prophet?

3. What is Oedipus' attitude toward Teiresias when he first speaks to the prophet?

4. What is Oedipus' initial attitude toward the crowd that has gathered?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Creon immediately tell Oedipus his news?

2. Describe the message that Creon brings from the oracle.

3. Describe what the people of Thebes have with them at the beginning of the play.

4. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

5. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

6. What does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of, that finally forces the prophet's tongue?

7. How does Oedipus respond to the townspeople's pleas for help?

8. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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