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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 did Oedipus' parent say about the accusation that Oedipus was not their son?
(a) Oedipus's father denied it, but his mother admitted it.
(b) They said it was untrue, but they seemed to be lying.
(c) They told Oedipus that it was true.
(d) They were angry, calling it an insult.

2. 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 to ask the prophet about it.
(c) Oedipus tells the messenger he has no right to know the prophecy.
(d) Oedipus tells the messenger he has no wish to repeat the prophecy, or think about it.

3. How long would the shepherds stay in the fields each year?
(a) one month
(b) nine months
(c) six months
(d) three months

4. What does Jocasta say about human prophecy?
(a) Oedipus is a fool not to listen to human prophets.
(b) Some human prophets are true and some are false.
(c) Human prophets are the voices of gods.
(d) No human is skilled in prophecy.

5. What sentence does Oedipus want to give to Creon for his crime?
(a) imprisonment
(b) death
(c) banishment
(d) mutilation

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Creon deny that he has a desire to do?

2. Why does the messenger tell Oedipus he is not Polybus' son?

3. When Creon turns the tables and begins questioning Oedipus, what is the first question he asks?

4. Who does Jocasta send for after hearing the messenger's news?

5. Who first sees the old shepherd approaching?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Jocasta react to the messenger's news?

3. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

4. What favor did Jocasta do for the person who told her about Laius' death?

5. How does Oedipus react to Creon's self defense?

6. How did Polybus die?

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

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

9. What prophecy does Jocasta tell Oedipus about?

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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