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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. According to Creon, who does a witness say killed Laius?
(a) a man with the power of a god
(b) a band of soldiers
(c) a gang of robbers
(d) a lone traveller

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

3. Why does the priest tell the people that they can leave at the end of the scene?
(a) He says the people will never get salvation.
(b) He says the people have what they've come for.
(c) He says the people have been ignored in favor of Creon.
(d) He says Oedipus is not the one to help.

4. What is Oedipus' initial attitude toward the crowd that has gathered?
(a) critical and derisive
(b) caring and helpful
(c) angry and annoyed
(d) overjoyed and cheerful

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Oedipus say he has to fear from Laius' murderer?

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

3. Who does the chorus leader say should reveal the murderer?

4. What does Oedipus decree that no citizen of Thebes shall do?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

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

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

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

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

8. What does the priest appeal to in asking Oedipus to save the city?

9. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

(see the answer keys)

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