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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. How does Creon's face look as he approaches?
(a) angry
(b) nonexpressive
(c) happy
(d) sad

2. Before Teiresias leaves, what does he say about the murderer's nationality?
(a) that he comes from no nation
(b) that he is a Corinthian
(c) that he is an Athenian
(d) that he will turn out to be a native Theban

3. Who leads Teiresias into Oedipus' presence?
(a) the chorus leader
(b) Creon
(c) a small boy
(d) Jocasta

4. How is the tale of Oedipus and the Sphinx treated in the town?
(a) People still tell the story of Oedipus and the Sphinx.
(b) Oedipus constantly forces the town to hear the story again.
(c) People only remember the story in times of trouble.
(d) People have already forgotten what Oedipus has done for them.

5. What does the chorus say about human prophets?
(a) Human prophets are always wrong.
(b) Human prophets have human motivations.
(c) Human prophets are the same as the gods and priests.
(d) It's impossible to tell if human prophets have real knowledge beyond the everyday.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Oedipus' initial attitude toward the crowd that has gathered?

2. How has Teiresias' pronouncement made the chorus feel?

3. Who does Teiresias say he serves?

4. Who does the priest suggest Oedipus listen to, in order to solve the town's problems?

5. What does Oedipus say the killers had to have?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

7. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

8. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

9. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

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

(see the answer keys)

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