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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 Oedipus ask Teiresias to do, after Teiresias says Oedipus is the murderer?
(a) leave Thebes immediately
(b) fall on his knees and pray
(c) repeat what he's said
(d) fight him

2. What is Creon's relationship to Oedipus?
(a) brother
(b) father-in-law
(c) brother-in-law
(d) no relation

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

4. Why does Oedipus say his sorrow is greater than the townspeople?
(a) Oedipus's heart is greater and therefore his sorrow is greater.
(b) Oedipus is full of fear that he will be dethroned.
(c) Oedipus says his personal loss from the plague is worse than anyone else's.
(d) Oedipus has sorrow for himself, the city, and all the townspeople.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Oedipus say he's seeking vengeance for?

2. Who does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of being in league with?

3. What does Teiresias answer when Oedipus asks the identity of his father?

4. What does the chorus say about human prophets?

5. How does Oedipus react to Teiresias' unwillingness to speak?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are the people of Thebes reluctant to think Oedipus guilty of a crime?

2. What does Oedipus promise to do when Creon returns?

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

4. What rumor does the chorus leader remind Oedipus of?

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

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

7. How does Teiresias feel about having come to see Oedipus at the king's request?

8. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

9. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

10. What does Oedipus wish for any townspeople who don't obey his orders?

(see the answer keys)

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