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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 Oedipus say about the fact that Laius' death wasn't looked into before?
(a) Oedipus says that the town knew it was bringing tragedy upon itself.
(b) Oedipus says he understands that the town had other problems.
(c) Oedipus says that the town is actively covering up the murder.
(d) Oedipus says the town should have looked into the murder.

2. What does Teiresias believe about future events?
(a) He cannot change them.
(b) They can be stopped by his silence.
(c) They can be stopped but only by Oedipus.
(d) They are for the best.

3. What does the chorus leader rebuke both Oedipus and Teiresias for?
(a) not talking with Creon
(b) not talking with Jocasta
(c) not listening to each other and talking at cross purposes
(d) being angry and quarrelling instead of finding the murderer

4. What does the chorus say about Oedipus' possible motive for killing Laius?
(a) The chorus thinks Oedipus may have been angry.
(b) The chorus remembers rumors of a quarrel between the two houses.
(c) The chorus knows of no quarrel between the two houses.
(d) The chorus thinks Oedipus may have desired the throne.

5. Why does Oedipus ask Creon to speak in front of the townspeople?
(a) Oedipus wants to show the townspeople he's not afraid.
(b) Oedipus feels more for the townspeople than for his own life.
(c) Oedipus wants to show Creon that he's not afraid.
(d) Oedipus wants the townspeople to become used to Creon's voice.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who leads Teiresias into Oedipus' presence?

2. What does Oedipus first say to Creon as he approaches?

3. According to Creon, who does a witness say killed Laius?

4. What does the priest point out about Oedipus overcoming the Sphinx?

5. Before he leaves, what does Oedipus say will happen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

9. Why doesn't Creon immediately tell Oedipus his news?

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

(see the answer keys)

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