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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. Why does the chorus think it's time for the murderer to flee?

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

3. What course of action does the chorus leader suggest Oedipus should take?

4. At the end of the scene, what does Oedipus ask the people to stand up and take?

5. Who does the priest say has gathered?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the message that Creon brings from the oracle.

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

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

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

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

7. Why does Oedipus offer a deal to the murderer and set rules for the people of Thebes?

8. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss love and family relationships in the play.

1) Discuss Oedipus' love for his children. Why does this love only come out at the end of the play?

2) Discuss Oedipus' love for Jocasta in this play. Is this love in any way caused by their biological relationship?

3) Discuss Oedipus' love for Thebes. Does Oedipus truly love Thebes? How does Oedipus treat his "children," as he calls them at the beginning of the play?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss justice in the play.

1) What acts in the play call for retribution by the gods? Why are these acts singled out? What makes an act call for justice?

2) Are the gods in the play just or unjust? Does Oedipus truly deserve punishment?

3) How does a ruler mete out justice? Is Oedipus a just ruler? What qualities in a ruler promote justice? Use examples from the play.

(see the answer keys)

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