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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the priest ask to come as the people's savior?

2. What does Oedipus accuse Creon of?

3. At the end of the scene, what does Oedipus ask the people to stand up and take?

4. How does Oedipus react to Teiresias' unwillingness to speak?

5. What does Oedipus say the killers had to have?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Teiresias feel about having come to see Oedipus at the king's request?

2. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

3. Why doesn't Creon immediately tell Oedipus his news?

4. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

5. What does the priest appeal to in asking Oedipus to save the city?

6. What reason does Oedipus give for coming himself to see the crowd of people who have gathered at the beginning of the play?

7. What is Teiresias referring to when he says Oedipus and his children will be "equals"?

8. Describe the message that Creon brings from the oracle.

9. What reason does Teiresias give for coming to see Oedipus?

10. What rumor does the chorus leader remind Oedipus of?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a saying that "ignorance is bliss." Discuss knowledge versus ignorance in the context of the play.

1) Why is Oedipus driven to seek out the truth about himself? Why isn't he afraid of what he might find?

2) Why does Jocasta not want Oedipus to find out the truth, even when she has clearly realized it herself? Could there be any benefit to the characters in continuing to live in ignorance?

3) In the end of the play, if Oedipus could go back and undo his own knowledge, do you think he would? Use evidence from the play to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the characters' intentions in their actions and their responsibility for the bad consequences.

1) What is Oedipus' intention in fleeing Corinth? Does Oedipus have any control over the unintended consequences of his actions?

2) What was the shepherd's intention in saving Oedipus? Is Oedipus right or wrong in condemning him at the end of the play?

3) To what extent is each character responsible for the tragic happening? Does the level of responsibility have anything to do with the characters' intentions?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss prophecy in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) What is the reasons gods provide prophecies in OEDIPUS THE KING? If the characters know their futures, why aren't they better able to change them?

2) How do prophecies fulfill themselves in OEDIPUS THE KING? Are prophecies escapable?

3) How is the prophecy Laius receives different from the prophecy Oedipus receives? Why are these prophecies different?

(see the answer keys)

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