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

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

3. How is the tale of Oedipus and the Sphinx treated in the town?
(a) People have already forgotten what Oedipus has done for them.
(b) People still tell the story of Oedipus and the Sphinx.
(c) Oedipus constantly forces the town to hear the story again.
(d) People only remember the story in times of trouble.

4. What does Oedipus wish for himself, if he unknowingly hosted the murderer at his home?
(a) to be ripped from his land and family
(b) all the bad things he wished upon the murderer
(c) a life of solitude and sobriety
(d) eternal damnation

5. How does Creon's face look as he approaches?
(a) angry
(b) sad
(c) nonexpressive
(d) happy

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Teiresias accuse as the murderer?

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

3. What does the chorus say about Oedipus' possible motive for killing Laius?

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

5. What does Teiresias say Oedipus doesn't know?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What reason does Teiresias give for coming to see Oedipus?

3. Why is Oedipus concerned about Creon at the beginning of the play?

4. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

6. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

7. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

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

9. What is the attitude of the townspeople when they speak to Oedipus?

10. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

(see the answer keys)

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