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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 deal does Oedipus offer the murderer if he gives himself in?

2. What does Oedipus say about the fact that Laius' death wasn't looked into before?

3. What does Teiresias say about the murderer's eyesight?

4. Who does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of being in league with?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What troubles have affected the people of Thebes?

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

4. What does Oedipus wish for any townspeople who don't obey his orders?

5. Why doesn't Oedipus listen to Teiresias?

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

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

8. What does Oedipus wish on the murderer?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the nature of power and leadership in the play.

1) What qualities make a good leader in the play? Who would make a better leader, Oedipus or Creon?

2) What are the benefits and drawbacks of power in the play? How do Oedipus and Creon view power?

3) How does Jocasta affect Oedipus's leadership in the play?

4) What role do the gods play in leadership? Compare the power of the gods to the power of men.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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