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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 priest call pestilence?
(a) a roaring lion
(b) a fiery god
(c) a sinister snake
(d) a thundering beast

2. Who does the priest suggest Oedipus listen to, in order to solve the town's problems?
(a) the town elders
(b) Zeus's oracle
(c) the gods or wise men
(d) the blind prophet

3. What does the chorus leader rebuke both Oedipus and Teiresias for?
(a) being angry and quarrelling instead of finding the murderer
(b) not talking with Jocasta
(c) not talking with Creon
(d) not listening to each other and talking at cross purposes

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

5. Where does Creon say the murderer of Lauis is?
(a) in Thebes
(b) in Corinth
(c) hiding in the countryside
(d) on the nearby mountain

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is Oedipus' attitude toward Teiresias when he first speaks to the prophet?

3. Who does the priest say has gathered?

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

5. What does Teiresias say about the murderer's financial condition?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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