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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 did Laius order his infant child to be put?
(a) in a river
(b) on a mountain
(c) in the ocean
(d) in a field

2. When Creon turns the tables and begins questioning Oedipus, what is the first question he asks?
(a) whether Oedipus is married to Creon's sister
(b) whether there is some unknown explanation for Teiresias's information
(c) whether Oedipus killed Laius
(d) whether the townspeople believe Oedipus is guilty

3. What simile does Jocasta use to describe the people of Thebes?
(a) like children who see their father's fear
(b) like people on a ship who see the helmsman is afraid
(c) like people in a carriage who see the driver terrified
(d) like soldiers who see their commander slain

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

5. Does Oedipus want to see the person the messenger says gave him the infant Oedipus?
(a) Yes, Oedipus wants to question the person to find the truth.
(b) Yes, Oedipus wants to send the person out of town.
(c) No, Oedipus is afraid of what the person might say.
(d) No, Oedipus doesn't think the person is important.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Oedipus ask about Polybus' death?

3. What does Creon accuse Oedipus of?

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

5. Why does Jocasta come to pray to Apollo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the chorus' foremost concern?

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

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

4. What prophecy does Jocasta tell Oedipus about?

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

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

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

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

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

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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