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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 Creon say of the news he brings?

2. At the end of the scene, what does Oedipus ask the people to stand up and take?

3. Why does the chorus think it's time for the murderer to flee?

4. Does Oedipus say he's ever met Laius?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how the townspeople view Oedipus.

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

3. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the nature and consequences of defying the gods in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) How does Oedipus defy the gods? How do Laius and Jocasta defy the gods? What does the punishment seem to be for this defiance?

2) Why does Creon insist on consulting with the gods before banishing Oedipus? If the gods insist on this type of close compliance to their prophets, is there any need for a ruler as intermediary? Where is Creon's power as king, if he must defer to the gods?

3) How would the characters be best able to please the gods? What would have been the results of their actions?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss dramatic irony in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) How does the fact that the audience knows the story of Oedipus affect the way the writer tells the story? How could the story be told differently, if the audience were unfamiliar with it?

2) How does dramatic irony affect the audience's perception of Oedipus? Is the audience more or less sympathetic toward Oedipus? Why or why not? How does the audience perceive Oedipus' quarrels with Teiresias and Creon?

3) How does dramatic irony affect the audience's perception of Jocasta?

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