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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 Creon say about the god's call to avenge Laius' death now?
(a) He says it is fitting.
(b) He says it will be an easy task.
(c) He says it is too late for revenge.
(d) He says the gods have asked the impossible.

2. What is Creon wearing on his head as he approaches the town?
(a) a laurel wreath
(b) a hood
(c) a chain of daisies
(d) a crown

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

4. Why does Oedipus ask Creon to speak in front of the townspeople?
(a) Oedipus wants to show Creon that he's not afraid.
(b) Oedipus wants to show the townspeople he's not afraid.
(c) Oedipus feels more for the townspeople than for his own life.
(d) Oedipus wants the townspeople to become used to Creon's voice.

5. Why does Oedipus say he's not punishing Teiresias?
(a) because of Teiresias's stature in the community
(b) because he believes Teiresias is Creon's pawn
(c) because clearly no one will believe Teiresias
(d) because of Teiresias' age

Short Answer Questions

1. What course of action does the chorus leader suggest Oedipus should take?

2. What does Oedipus wish for himself, if he unknowingly hosted the murderer at his home?

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

4. How does Creon's face look as he approaches?

5. Who speaks for the people of Thebes as their leader?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

3. Describe Oedipus's attitude toward Creon when Creon returns.

4. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

6. What reason does Oedipus give for coming himself to see the crowd of people who have gathered at the beginning of the play?

7. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

8. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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