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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 first say to Jocasta, after questioning the messenger about Polybus' death?
(a) He wonders why anyone would pay homage to Apollo's prophets.
(b) He says he must immediately leave for Corinth to see his mother.
(c) He regrets that he left his home in Corinth without reason.
(d) He says that this foretells a new era of prosperity in Thebes.

2. Where does Jocasta say that Laius was murdered?
(a) at the kingdom's border
(b) where three roads meet
(c) where two roads cross a stream
(d) where the flatlands begin to become steep

3. Who first sees the old shepherd approaching?
(a) the messenger
(b) Oedipus
(c) the chorus
(d) Jocasta

4. What does Jocasta chide Oedipus and Creon for?
(a) not listening to each other
(b) not listening to the oracle
(c) fighting when the town's in trouble
(d) making the gods upset

5. What does Oedipus do when the messenger questions him about the prophecy that drove Oedipus away from his parents?
(a) Oedipus tells the messenger the prophecy.
(b) Oedipus tells the messenger he has no wish to repeat the prophecy, or think about it.
(c) Oedipus tells the messenger he has no right to know the prophecy.
(d) Oedipus tells the messenger to ask the prophet about it.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Oedipus' response to the information he got from the oracle at Delphi, when he asked about his parentage?

2. In the encounter between Oedipus and the stranger in the carriage, what was the initial violent act?

3. Why does Oedipus say he must remain afraid?

4. How does Oedipus react to the chorus' pleas?

5. Who does the shepherd say gave him the infant child?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jocasta try to stop Oedipus from trying to find out the truth of his birth?

2. What main news does the messenger from Corinth bring?

3. What is the first thing Oedipus tells Jocasta, when he tells her about the argument between himself and Creon?

4. What did the oracle at Delphi tell Oedipus about his parentage?

5. What is the chorus' attitude toward Oedipus, in his conflict with Creon?

6. Why does Oedipus question how his father could love him?

7. How does the chorus react to Creon's self defense?

8. What is Oedipus's attitude toward his wife?

9. What does the old shepherd say was his motive in giving the infant to the messenger, when they were both shepherds together?

10. What is Jocasta's response, when Oedipus wants to find and question the shepherd that the messenger said gave him the infant Oedipus?

(see the answer keys)

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