M2- SW1

Question 1

How does Oedipus react to Teiresias’ comment about his parents?

Answer 1

with anger and curiosity

Question 2

How does Oedipus respond when Teiresias accuses him of killing Laius?

Answer 2

he accuses Teiresias of murdering Laius with Creon

Question 3

Oedipus’ anger at Teiresias’. words illustrates his

Answer 3

hamartia

Question 4

Dramatically, Teiresias’ riddles serve to

Answer 4

build suspense

Question 5

“I will never go back to my parents” is ironic because Oedipus

Answer 5

killed Laius and married Jocasta

Question 6

Jocasta’s attempt to reassure her husband is ironic because

• she makes Oedipus begin to suspect the truth of his curse
• she claims to put no faith in prophesies
• she says Laius’. prophecy did not come from Apollo
• Oedipus has already determined his guilt

Answer 6

A. She makes Oedipus suspect the truth of his curse

Question 7

According to Teiresias, Oedipus would soon realize the following EXCEPT:

a. he is the killer of his father
b. he is both son and husband to the same woman
c. he is both prince and beggar
d. he is both father and brother to his sons

Answer 7

c. he is both prince and beggar

Question 8

Whom does the oracle say must be driven out of Thebes?

Answer 8

the murderer of Laius

Question 9

What is Jocasta’s motive for discouraging Oedipus from speaking to the herdsman?

Answer 9

she wants to prevent Oedipus from learning the truth

Question 10

What is ironic about Oedipus’ appeal to Teiresias?

Answer 10

Oedipus believes that knowing the truth will help him

Question 11

Why does the priest believe Oedipus can do something about the plague in Thebes?

Answer 11

Oedipus saved Thebes once before

Question 12

The three guardians against death, according to the Chorus
a. Artemis, Ares, and Athena
b. Zeus, Athena, and Apollo
c. Zeus, Ares, and Apollo
d. Athena, Artemis and Phoebus Apollo

Answer 12

d. Athena, Artemis and Phoebus Apollo

Question 13

Jocasta’s faith in Oedipus’ innocence primarily stems from her

Answer 13

interest in preserving her status and prestige

Question 14

What does Oedipus criticize the people of Thebes for?

1.failing to honor Jocasta’s wishes
2. treating each other with lack of civility
3. refusing to believe in the prophet’s warning
4. letting Laius’. murderer go uncaught

Answer 14

4. letting Laius’. murderer go uncaught

Question 15

Teiresias’ calling Oedipus blind is both

a. insulting and insolent
b. impolitical and treasonous
c. metaphoric and prophetic
d. literal and figurative

Answer 15

c. metaphoric and prophetic

Question 16

What is ironic about Oedipus’ declaration of the curse against Laius’ murderers?

a. The Theban elders already know who the murderer is
b. Oedipus is pronouncing his own doom
c. Oedipus has no power to punish a foreign criminal
d. The murderer is already dead

Answer 16

b. Oedipus is pronouncing his own doom

Question 17

The attitude of Oedipus at the beginning of the play.

a. indecisive and foolish
b. hot-tempered and rash
c. arrogant and sure of himself
d. suspicious and proud

Answer 17

c. arrogant and sure of himself

Question 18

Whom does Creon say killed Laius?

Answer 18

Robbers

Question 20

In the first part of the play, Oedipus adheres to the ancient Greeks’ expectations for a king by:

a. seeking the counsel of a prophet
b. acting to protect his people
c. sharing his power with others
d. mingling with commoners

Answer 20

b. acting to protect his people