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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 does Teiresias say about the murderer's financial condition?

2. What is Creon wearing on his head as he approaches the town?

3. Who does Teiresias say he was "wise enough" to?

4. Where has Oedipus sent Creon?

5. What does Oedipus say he has to fear from Laius' murderer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Why does Oedipus offer a deal to the murderer and set rules for the people of Thebes?

8. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

9. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

10. Describe how the townspeople view 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 qualities of a leader, as illustrated in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) What qualities does Oedipus have that make him seem like a good leader? Why do the people of Thebes choose him as a leader?

2) What qualities does Oedipus have that make him not a good leader? How do these qualities affect Oedipus's leadership?

3) What kind of a leader does Creon seem to be? Compare Creon's leadership qualities with Oedipus's.

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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