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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 the chorus say about Oedipus' possible motive for killing Laius?
(a) The chorus remembers rumors of a quarrel between the two houses.
(b) The chorus knows of no quarrel between the two houses.
(c) The chorus thinks Oedipus may have desired the throne.
(d) The chorus thinks Oedipus may have been angry.

2. What does Oedipus ask of the citizens of Thebes?
(a) He orders them to gather together and stay in their houses.
(b) He orders them to reveal the murderer, if they know who he is.
(c) He orders them to hold a great celebration in the town.
(d) He orders them to go to the shrines and give offerings to the gods.

3. 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 of Teiresias' age
(d) because clearly no one will believe Teiresias

4. 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 been ignored in favor of Creon.
(c) He says the people have what they've come for.
(d) He says Oedipus is not the one to help.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Creon say of the news he brings?

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

3. Where are the townspeople who are not gathered to speak with Oedipus?

4. Before Teiresias leaves, what does he say about the murderer's nationality?

5. What does the chorus leader rebuke both Oedipus and Teiresias for?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

8. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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