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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 does Oedipus react to Teiresias' unwillingness to speak?

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

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

4. Who leads Teiresias into Oedipus' presence?

5. Who does Teiresias say he serves?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

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

7. Why are the people of Thebes reluctant to think Oedipus guilty of a crime?

8. What does Oedipus wish for any townspeople who don't obey his orders?

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

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

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 prophecy in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) What is the reasons gods provide prophecies in OEDIPUS THE KING? If the characters know their futures, why aren't they better able to change them?

2) How do prophecies fulfill themselves in OEDIPUS THE KING? Are prophecies escapable?

3) How is the prophecy Laius receives different from the prophecy Oedipus receives? Why are these prophecies different?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss free will and predestination in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) Is Oedipus predestined to his fate, or does he have free will? Are these two ideas completely incompatible?

2) Can Oedipus be held responsible for his actions, if his fate is predestined?

3) How does predestination affect the position of a ruler? Are all the joys and woes that befall the ruler's lands predestined? What is the role of the leader, if fate is predestined?

(see the answer keys)

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