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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. What is Oedipus' attitude toward Teiresias when he first speaks to the prophet?

2. What does Teiresias say about his own wisdom, after Oedipus questions him about Laius' murderer?

3. Before Teiresias leaves, what does he say about the murderer's nationality?

4. What does Creon say of the news he brings?

5. Why does Oedipus say he's not punishing Teiresias?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the attitude of the townspeople when they speak to Oedipus?

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

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

4. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

5. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

6. How does Oedipus' attitude toward Teiresias change during their first discussion?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the nature of power and leadership in the play.

1) What qualities make a good leader in the play? Who would make a better leader, Oedipus or Creon?

2) What are the benefits and drawbacks of power in the play? How do Oedipus and Creon view power?

3) How does Jocasta affect Oedipus's leadership in the play?

4) What role do the gods play in leadership? Compare the power of the gods to the power of men.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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