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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. _______ rescues Oedipus and raises him to adulthood.

2. Who does the King of Thebes address in the city?

3. Who are the group of women of Thebes who rushes on in a panic?

4. Who is Jocasta?

5. Whose appearance and description of the armies is a typical device of classical Greek theatre?

Short Essay Questions

1. What threat does Eteocles give to the citizens of Thebes? Why do you think Eteocles threatens the citizens?

2. Give an example of how religion is utilized in part 1 of the play.

3. How does the Chorus use their senses to illustrate their fears of the war?

4. According to the Chorus, how are old women and young virgins equal victims for the attacking army?

5. Describe Laius' character.

6. What is the significance of the fifth general possessing the shield that has a picture of the Sphinx?

7. How are women treated during wartime according to part 1 of the play? Why do you think women were treated in the manner?

8. Why does the Chorus speak of Jocasta in part 4?

9. How is the sense of sound used in part 2?

10. What is the irony behind Oedipus solving "the Riddle of the Sphinx with his brilliance" ?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concept of fear as presented in the play. Describe the Chorus' fear. Is their fear justified?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the importance of the Oracle of Apollo to the relationship between Lauis and Oedipus.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of the Scout. Describe the relationship between the Scout and Eteocles.

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This section contains 625 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample