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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 reason does Teiresias give for not answering Oedipus' questions?
(a) He isn't sure about what he knows.
(b) He knows the truth, but the gods have told him not to say.
(c) He does not believe his own visions.
(d) He doesn't want to cause them both grief.

2. What does Oedipus ask Teiresias to do, after Teiresias says Oedipus is the murderer?
(a) fight him
(b) repeat what he's said
(c) leave Thebes immediately
(d) fall on his knees and pray

3. Who speaks for the people of Thebes as their leader?
(a) the oracle
(b) the priest of Zeus
(c) the parliamentary leader
(d) the prophet of Hera

4. What does the priest point out about Oedipus overcoming the Sphinx?
(a) Oedipus had no more knowledge or instruction than the townspeople, and yet was able to solve the riddle.
(b) Oedipus used superior training to defeat the Sphinx, and no one else had the same benefits.
(c) Oedipus defeated the Sphinx only out of sheer luck.
(d) Oedipus was able to defeat the Sphinx because of his powerful arm and his connections to royalty.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the priest say that Oedipus will be king of, if he doesn't solve the town's problems?

2. What does Oedipus say the killers had to have?

3. How does Teiresias respond when Oedipus says the prophet speaks in riddles?

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

5. Why does the priest say they've come to Oedipus?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

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

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

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

5. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

6. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

7. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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