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

2. Why does Oedipus ask Creon to speak in front of the townspeople?
(a) Oedipus wants the townspeople to become used to Creon's voice.
(b) Oedipus wants to show the townspeople he's not afraid.
(c) Oedipus wants to show Creon that he's not afraid.
(d) Oedipus feels more for the townspeople than for his own life.

3. Why does the chorus think it's time for the murderer to flee?
(a) The ire of the city is rising against him.
(b) Teiresias will eventually name him.
(c) Zeus' son, Apollo, is against him.
(d) Oedipus is against him.

4. What does the chorus say about human prophets?
(a) Human prophets are the same as the gods and priests.
(b) Human prophets have human motivations.
(c) It's impossible to tell if human prophets have real knowledge beyond the everyday.
(d) Human prophets are always wrong.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where has Oedipus sent Creon?

2. Who does Oedipus say he's seeking vengeance for?

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

4. Who does Teiresias say he serves?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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