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

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. What does Oedipus do when the shepherd won't tell about giving away the infant?
(a) Oedipus threatens to banish him from the kingdom.
(b) Oedipus asks the messenger if he's lying about the incident.
(c) Oedipus offers him money and a comfortable home.
(d) Oedipus threatens him and asks someone to bind his hands.

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

5. Who is with the approaching shepherd?
(a) Teiresias
(b) no one
(c) servants of Oedipus
(d) a priest of Apollo

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the chorus think can help end the conflict between Creon and Oedipus?

2. Does Oedipus want to see the person the messenger says gave him the infant Oedipus?

3. Why does Jocasta come to pray to Apollo?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the chorus' foremost concern?

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

6. How did Polybus die?

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

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

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

10. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

(see the answer keys)

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