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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 simile does Jocasta use to describe the people of Thebes?

2. Who first sees the old shepherd approaching?

3. What does Oedipus ask about Polybus' death?

4. In the encounter between Oedipus and the stranger in the carriage, what was the initial violent act?

5. What does Creon say his current position brings?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why does Jocasta try to stop Oedipus from trying to find out the truth of his birth?

6. How does Jocasta feel about Polybus' death?

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

8. What is Oedipus's attitude toward his wife?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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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