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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 does Creon deny that he has a desire to do?

2. How long would the shepherds stay in the fields each year?

3. What is the position of the chorus, as stated by the chorus leader, in the conflict between Oedipus and Creon?

4. When Creon turns the tables and begins questioning Oedipus, what is the first question he asks?

5. What does Oedipus say that he still fears, after hearing the news of Polybus' death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the chorus' foremost concern?

2. What does Oedipus say, when he finally finds out the truth about his past and his present situation?

3. What is the shepherd's reaction to being questioned about the infant he gave away and being told that Oedipus is that infant?

4. What is the chorus' attitude toward Oedipus, in his conflict with Creon?

5. After Jocasta exits, when Oedipus is intent on finding out his true identity, how does the chorus feel about Oedipus' search?

6. How did Polybus die?

7. What is the first thing Oedipus tells Jocasta, when he tells her about the argument between himself and Creon?

8. What did the oracle at Delphi tell Oedipus about his parentage?

9. What prophecy does Jocasta tell Oedipus about?

10. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

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 the role of women in the play.

1) What is Jocasta's role as queen? How do the people seem to treat Jocasta?

2) Creon says that Jocasta and Oedipus rule as equals. Is this true? How does Oedipus treat Jocasta?

2) Why does Oedipus fear for his daughters more than his sons at the end of the play? What does this say about the treatment of men and women in the society?

Essay Topic 3

There is a saying that "ignorance is bliss." Discuss knowledge versus ignorance in the context of the play.

1) Why is Oedipus driven to seek out the truth about himself? Why isn't he afraid of what he might find?

2) Why does Jocasta not want Oedipus to find out the truth, even when she has clearly realized it herself? Could there be any benefit to the characters in continuing to live in ignorance?

3) In the end of the play, if Oedipus could go back and undo his own knowledge, do you think he would? Use evidence from the play to support your position.

(see the answer keys)

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