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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 part of her and Laius' infant child does Jocasta say Laius bound?
(a) his wrists
(b) his elbows
(c) his ankles
(d) his knees

2. What children did Polybus have before Oedipus?
(a) a son who was stolen away
(b) a daughter who died
(c) a son who died
(d) none

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

4. What does Jocasta bring to the shrine of Apollo outside the castle gates?
(a) her youngest child
(b) a gift from Teiresias
(c) a scarlet cape
(d) a garland and incense

5. Why does the messenger tell Oedipus he is not Polybus' son?
(a) The messenger wants to relieve Oedipus's fear.
(b) The messenger wants to frighten Oedipus.
(c) The messenger wants to stop Oedipus from offending Apollo.
(d) The messenger wants to prove prophecies are meaningless.

Short Answer Questions

1. What possible explanation does the chorus leader give for Oedipus' charge against Creon?

2. What made Oedipus angry, when he encountered the stranger's carriage on the road?

3. What does Creon say Oedipus should do to get proof of Creon's innocence?

4. What sentence does Oedipus want to give to Creon for his crime?

5. What does Creon say Oedipus can do, if he finds proof Creon's lying?

Short Essay Questions

1. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

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

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

4. After Jocasta exits, when Oedipus is intent on finding out his true identity, how does the chorus feel about Oedipus' search?

5. How does Creon seem to react to Oedipus leveling charges against him?

6. What is the shepherd's reaction to being questioned about the infant he gave away and being told that Oedipus is that infant?

7. When Oedipus is questioning Creon, why does he ask Creon how long it's been since Laius was killed?

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

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 does Oedipus say, when he finally finds out the truth about his past and his present situation?

(see the answer keys)

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