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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 leader think of Oedipus' curses on the murderer?
(a) that the murderer will take them seriously
(b) that the murderer will laugh at them
(c) that the murderer will ignore them
(d) that the murderer will make fun of them

2. What does Oedipus call the people of Thebes?
(a) the gods' creations
(b) his children
(c) the gods' children
(d) his creations

3. What is Creon's relationship to Oedipus?
(a) father-in-law
(b) brother
(c) brother-in-law
(d) no relation

4. 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 Creon
(c) not talking with Jocasta
(d) not listening to each other and talking at cross purposes

5. What is Creon wearing on his head as he approaches the town?
(a) a hood
(b) a chain of daisies
(c) a crown
(d) a laurel wreath

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Who leads Teiresias into Oedipus' presence?

3. What does Oedipus decree that no citizen of Thebes shall do?

4. What does the chorus leader tell Oedipus about the murderer?

5. At the end of the scene, what does Oedipus ask the people to stand up and take?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Oedipus offer a deal to the murderer and set rules for the people of Thebes?

5. What reason does Oedipus give for coming himself to see the crowd of people who have gathered at the beginning of the play?

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

7. Why are the people of Thebes reluctant to think Oedipus guilty of a crime?

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

9. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

10. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

(see the answer keys)

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