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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 Oedipus say he has to fear from Laius' murderer?
(a) The murderer may seek revenge on Oedipus for trying to find him.
(b) The murderer may flee quietly and leave the town to suffer the gods' wrath.
(c) The murderer may want to kill the queen, Laius's wife.
(d) The murderer may want to kill the new king, too.

2. Who does the chorus leader say should reveal the murderer?
(a) Oedipus
(b) Creon
(c) Apollo
(d) Laius

3. What does the priest say that Oedipus will be king of, if he doesn't solve the town's problems?
(a) an ocean
(b) a mountain
(c) a desert
(d) a forest

4. Who does Teiresias accuse as the murderer?
(a) Creon
(b) himself
(c) Jocasta
(d) Oedipus

5. Before he leaves, what does Oedipus say will happen?
(a) The murderer will definitely be caught and punished.
(b) Either the murderer will be caught and punished, or else they will all be ruined.
(c) The gods will decide the outcome, and the murderer's fate is in their hands.
(d) The whole town, and Oedipus himself, will definitely be ruined.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the chorus say about human prophets?

2. What does Creon say about Laius' companions when he was killed?

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

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

5. Why does the priest tell the people that they can leave at the end of the scene?

Short Essay Questions

1. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

4. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

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

7. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

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

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

10. What does Oedipus wish for any townspeople who don't obey his orders?

(see the answer keys)

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