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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. Why does Oedipus feel linked to Laius?

2. What does the priest call pestilence?

3. How does Teiresias respond when Oedipus says the prophet speaks in riddles?

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

5. What course of action does the chorus leader suggest Oedipus should take?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

2. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

3. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In OEDIPUS THE KING, much of the action takes place offstage or in different times, and is retold by the characters and messengers. Discuss how this affects the play.

1) How is hearing about Jocasta's suicide from the second messenger a different experience than seeing it?

2) How is hearing Oeidpus retell the story of meeting Laius on the road different from seeing it?

3) How effective is it for Oedipus to come on stage with his eyes gouged out at the end of the play? Is it more affecting since most of the violence of the play takes place offstage?

4) What other effects does the action taking place offstage have on the play?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss denial in Oedipus.

1) When and how much does Jocasta know about Oedipus' background and crimes? Does Jocasta realize what is going on, at least on some level, and hide it from herself? What characteristics does she have that might make this plausible?

2) When and how much does Oedipus know about his own background and crimes? Is Oedipus in denial of his crimes at all?

3) Does the chorus seem to have any inkling of the truth? Is it possible that the people of the town could be in denial? Support your reasoning with evidence from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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