Oedipus final review questions
Fill in the blanks:
In the beginning of a the play, the Oracle of Delphi tells Creon that in order to rid the town of ______(town name) of the current ______, Oedipus must find the killer of the town’s old king, ______. We learn Oedipus has already saved the town once before by defeating and solving the Riddle of the ______. Oedipus asks the townspeople if anyone knows what happened - to which no one replies yes - and then puts a curse on the murderer of the past king. Oedipus then wants to meet with the blind prophet ______himself and ask who is the murderer. This prophet accuses ______of being the true downfall of the town. Oedipus then accuses this prophet of conspiring with ______to take over his crown. ______then tells Oedipus the story of Laius’s murder at the three crossroads. The mention of this makes Oedipus curious and he sends for ______. A messenger who then arrives from the town of ______explains that ______is not Oedipus’s real father, nor is ______his mom. A ______finally arrives to tell Oedipus ______. Next, there is a reporting of Jocasta’s ______and that Oedipus has ______. Lastly, we see the scene of Oedipus suffering and regretting his past actions and his little faith in the prophets who predicted his fate. Then he requests to see ______before ______tells him he must be ______from Thebes. His departure at the end of the story now ends the ______.
(2 pts. each – 40 pts. total)
1. At the end of the play, is blinding an appropriate punishment? Why doesn't Oedipus commit suicide?
2. The Messenger instructs all to "pity" Oedipus. Think about the other references to pity in this drama. Name at least two.
3. Is Creon fair to Oedipus at the end? Consider especially his warning.
4. What could be the theme of the play?
5. Where is the climax located? Explain why this is the climax.
6. What is the definition of the term "hero"? Who is the hero of the play? How does he/she fulfill the definition?
Study Guide
Sophocles, Oedipus
You must be able to answer the following:
1. In Greek society there were aristocrats, slaves, common folk, warriors, and artists and writers. Pick three and elaborate on their positions in society.
2. Name and explain two epic conventions in Greek literature.
3. Who was the ecclesia in Athens?
4. What is moira? What is hubris? Explain their ties and their differences.
5. Name all the main characters in the play and the main actions (review the fill-in-the-blank practice).
6. What’s the function of the chorus?
7. Who’s the tragic hero? Explain.