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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. What is Oedipus' attitude toward Teiresias when he first speaks to the prophet?

2. Who does Teiresias accuse as the murderer?

3. What is Creon wearing on his head as he approaches the town?

4. What does Teiresias say about the murderer's financial condition?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Oedipus's attitude toward Creon when Creon returns.

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

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

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

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

7. Explain the irony of Teiresias' blindness.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Oedipus' temper and his tendency to anger.

1) What types of things cause Oedipus anger? What instigates Oedipus's anger with Teiresias? Creon? Laius?

2) How does Oedipus' temper affect his ability to lead Thebes? Does Oedipus get angry for his own sake or for the sake of Thebes?

3) What is the root of Oedipus' anger? Is Oedipus angry about the things he says he is, or is there a deeper reason for Oedipus' anger?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Oedipus's justification of choosing blindness and exile as his punishment.

1) Why does Oedipus feel the need to punish himself for his "crimes'?

2) Why does Oedipus choose the particular punishment of blindness? Why does Oedipus want to be exiled from Thebes?

3) Will Oedipus's punishment fit his crime? Is Oedipus's punishment a fair one? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the qualities of a leader, as illustrated in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) What qualities does Oedipus have that make him seem like a good leader? Why do the people of Thebes choose him as a leader?

2) What qualities does Oedipus have that make him not a good leader? How do these qualities affect Oedipus's leadership?

3) What kind of a leader does Creon seem to be? Compare Creon's leadership qualities with Oedipus's.

(see the answer keys)

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