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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 Jocasta question the chorus about, after Creon leaves?

2. Who accused Oedipus of not being his father's real son?

3. Who does Jocasta say told her about Laius' death?

4. What does Oedipus tell the messenger he regrets about leaving Corinth?

5. How does the messenger say Jocasta will feel about his news?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Oedipus react to Creon's self defense?

2. How does Creon seem to react to Oedipus leveling charges against him?

3. How does the chorus react to Creon's self defense?

4. What caused the scar on Oedipus' ankles?

5. What main news does the messenger from Corinth bring?

6. What does Jocasta's description of the place where Laius was killed mean to Oedipus?

7. How does Jocasta react to the messenger's news?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Oedipus as a tragic hero.

1) What are the qualities of a tragic hero, and how does Oedipus embody those qualities? Are there any ways in which Oedipus is not a tragic hero?

2) What is Oedipus' tragic flaw? How does it contribute to his downfall?

3) The chorus comments on how far Oedipus has fallen in the end of the play. Why is it important for a tragic hero to be a mighty person who falls to a low position? How does Oedipus fulfill this aspect of the tragic hero?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the function of the chorus in the play.

1) Who does the chorus represent? What is their attitude toward Oedipus and the events that unfold?

2) How is the chorus similar to the play's audience? How is the chorus different form the audience?

3) Is the chorus always "right"? Do they reflect the attitude of the author?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample