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

2. How does Creon's face look as he approaches?
(a) happy
(b) nonexpressive
(c) sad
(d) angry

3. Who does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of being in league with?
(a) the oracle
(b) Apollo
(c) Creon
(d) Jocasta

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

5. 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 was able to defeat the Sphinx because of his powerful arm and his connections to royalty.
(c) Oedipus defeated the Sphinx only out of sheer luck.
(d) Oedipus used superior training to defeat the Sphinx, and no one else had the same benefits.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the priest say has gathered?

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

3. Where are the townspeople who are not gathered to speak with Oedipus?

4. Who does Teiresias accuse as the murderer?

5. Who does the chorus leader say should reveal the murderer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

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

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

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

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

6. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

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

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

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

10. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

(see the answer keys)

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