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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. In the encounter between Oedipus and the stranger in the carriage, what was the initial violent act?

2. Who does the shepherd say gave him the infant child?

3. What made Oedipus angry, when he encountered the stranger's carriage on the road?

4. What sentence does Oedipus want to give to Creon for his crime?

5. What simile does Jocasta use to describe the people of Thebes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What favor did Jocasta do for the person who told her about Laius' death?

2. What does the old shepherd say was his motive in giving the infant to the messenger, when they were both shepherds together?

3. When Oedipus is questioning Creon, why does he ask Creon how long it's been since Laius was killed?

4. What is the shepherd's reaction to being questioned about the infant he gave away and being told that Oedipus is that infant?

5. How does the chorus react to Creon's self defense?

6. How did Polybus die?

7. What is Oedipus's attitude toward his wife?

8. After Jocasta exits, when Oedipus is intent on finding out his true identity, how does the chorus feel about Oedipus' search?

9. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

10. What prophecy does Jocasta tell Oedipus about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the function of the chorus in the play.

1) Who does the chorus represent? What is their attitude toward Oedipus and the events that unfold?

2) How is the chorus similar to the play's audience? How is the chorus different form the audience?

3) Is the chorus always "right"? Do they reflect the attitude of the author?

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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