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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. Who leads Teiresias into Oedipus' presence?

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

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

4. What does Teiresias say about his own wisdom, after Oedipus questions him about Laius' murderer?

5. Why does the priest say they've come to Oedipus?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

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

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

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

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

8. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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