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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. At the beginning of the play, where have the townspeople gathered?

2. Where does Creon say the murderer of Lauis is?

3. Who does Teiresias accuse as the murderer?

4. Who does the chorus leader say should reveal the murderer?

5. What does Oedipus first say to Creon as he approaches?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Oedipus respond to the townspeople's pleas for help?

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

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

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

6. Describe Oedipus's attitude toward Creon when Creon returns.

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

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

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

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 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 2

Discuss Oedipus's justification of choosing blindness and exile as his punishment.

1) Why does Oedipus feel the need to punish himself for his "crimes'?

2) Why does Oedipus choose the particular punishment of blindness? Why does Oedipus want to be exiled from Thebes?

3) Will Oedipus's punishment fit his crime? Is Oedipus's punishment a fair one? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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