View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who does the priest say has gathered?
(a) all the young and hearty townspeople
(b) all the sick and elderly townspeople
(c) townspeople from the very young to the very old
(d) everyone but those ill from disease

2. Who leads Teiresias into Oedipus' presence?
(a) Creon
(b) Jocasta
(c) the chorus leader
(d) a small boy

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

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

5. What deal does Oedipus offer the murderer if he gives himself in?
(a) Oedipus offers to limit the murderer's banishment.
(b) Oedipus offers the murderer a place in Corinth in exchange for banishment from Thebes.
(c) Oedipus offers to banish the murderer instead of killing him.
(d) Oedipus offers the murderer his choice of death or banishment.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the chorus say about Oedipus' possible motive for killing Laius?

2. Who does Teiresias say he was "wise enough" to?

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

4. What reason does Teiresias give for not answering Oedipus' questions?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

2. Describe the message that Creon brings from the oracle.

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

4. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

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

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

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

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

9. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 710 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample