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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Creon say about the god's call to avenge Laius' death now?
(a) He says it is fitting.
(b) He says the gods have asked the impossible.
(c) He says it will be an easy task.
(d) He says it is too late for revenge.

2. What does Oedipus say he has to fear from Laius' murderer?
(a) The murderer may want to kill the queen, Laius's wife.
(b) The murderer may want to kill the new king, too.
(c) The murderer may seek revenge on Oedipus for trying to find him.
(d) The murderer may flee quietly and leave the town to suffer the gods' wrath.

3. What does Oedipus say he's been doing in his sorrow?
(a) He's been offering sacrifices to all the gods.
(b) He's been paralyzed by the horror that's come on the town.
(c) He's been thinking about possible paths to a solution.
(d) He's been carefully questioning all the townspeople who could help.

4. What does Oedipus accuse Creon of?
(a) killing Laius and causing the plagues
(b) trying to overthrow him for the sake of power and riches
(c) wanting to marry Jocasta himself
(d) setting the Sphinx upon Thebes

5. What is Creon wearing on his head as he approaches the town?
(a) a hood
(b) a chain of daisies
(c) a crown
(d) a laurel wreath

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Creon say the murderer of Lauis is?

2. What does Creon say about Laius' companions when he was killed?

3. What does the priest say that Oedipus will be king of, if he doesn't solve the town's problems?

4. Why does Oedipus say he's not punishing Teiresias?

5. What does Oedipus decree that no citizen of Thebes shall do?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does the priest appeal to in asking Oedipus to save the city?

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

6. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

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

8. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

9. How does Oedipus respond to the townspeople's pleas for help?

10. Describe what the people of Thebes have with them at the beginning of the play.

(see the answer keys)

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