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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. How is the tale of Oedipus and the Sphinx treated in the town?

2. What does Oedipus accuse Creon of?

3. What does Teiresias say about the murderer's eyesight?

4. What does the priest say that Oedipus will be king of, if he doesn't solve the town's problems?

5. Why does the priest tell the people that they can leave at the end of the scene?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

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

3. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

5. Describe what the people of Thebes have with them at the beginning of the play.

6. Why is Oedipus concerned about Creon at the beginning of the play?

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

8. What does Oedipus promise to do when Creon returns?

9. What does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of, that finally forces the prophet's tongue?

10. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the function of the chorus in the play.

1) Who does the chorus represent? What is their attitude toward Oedipus and the events that unfold?

2) How is the chorus similar to the play's audience? How is the chorus different form the audience?

3) Is the chorus always "right"? Do they reflect the attitude of the author?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Oedipus as a tragic hero.

1) What are the qualities of a tragic hero, and how does Oedipus embody those qualities? Are there any ways in which Oedipus is not a tragic hero?

2) What is Oedipus' tragic flaw? How does it contribute to his downfall?

3) The chorus comments on how far Oedipus has fallen in the end of the play. Why is it important for a tragic hero to be a mighty person who falls to a low position? How does Oedipus fulfill this aspect of the tragic hero?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Oedipus' temper and his tendency to anger.

1) What types of things cause Oedipus anger? What instigates Oedipus's anger with Teiresias? Creon? Laius?

2) How does Oedipus' temper affect his ability to lead Thebes? Does Oedipus get angry for his own sake or for the sake of Thebes?

3) What is the root of Oedipus' anger? Is Oedipus angry about the things he says he is, or is there a deeper reason for Oedipus' anger?

(see the answer keys)

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