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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 Creon say Oedipus can do, if he finds proof Creon's lying?
(a) banish Creon from the kingdom forever
(b) cut Creon's throat then and there
(c) arrest Creon and sentence him to death
(d) kill Creon before his sister's eyes

2. What was the messenger's profession when he found the infant Oedipus?
(a) farmer
(b) priest
(c) shepherd
(d) tailor

3. Where did the messenger find the infant Oedipus?
(a) on the doorstep of his home
(b) on the border of Corinth
(c) in the valleys of Clithaeron
(d) by the banks of a river

4. Does the shepherd identify the messenger as someone he's met?
(a) No, he says he doesn't remember the man at first.
(b) Yes, but it's clear he is lying and soon admits the lie.
(c) Yes, he identifies the messenger easily.
(d) No, but it's clear he is lying and soon admits the lie.

5. How does the messenger say Jocasta will feel about his news?
(a) enraged
(b) sad and regretful
(c) both glad and sad
(d) glad and happy

Short Answer Questions

1. Does the messenger identify the shepherd as the man he mentioned earlier?

2. Who asks the old shepherd whether he gave an infant baby to the messenger years ago?

3. What does Jocasta bring to the shrine of Apollo outside the castle gates?

4. Who does the messenger say gave Oedipus to Polybus?

5. Who accused Oedipus of not being his father's real son?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jocasta's description of the place where Laius was killed mean to Oedipus?

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

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

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

5. What is the chorus' foremost concern?

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

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

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

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 main news does the messenger from Corinth bring?

(see the answer keys)

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