M2- SW1 Flashcards
How does Oedipus react to Teiresias’ comment about his parents?
with anger and curiosity
How does Oedipus respond when Teiresias accuses him of killing Laius?
he accuses Teiresias of murdering Laius with Creon
Oedipus’ anger at Teiresias’. words illustrates his
hamartia
Dramatically, Teiresias’ riddles serve to
build suspense
“I will never go back to my parents” is ironic because Oedipus
killed Laius and married Jocasta
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
A. She makes Oedipus suspect the truth of his curse
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
c. he is both prince and beggar
Whom does the oracle say must be driven out of Thebes?
the murderer of Laius
What is Jocasta’s motive for discouraging Oedipus from speaking to the herdsman?
she wants to prevent Oedipus from learning the truth
What is ironic about Oedipus’ appeal to Teiresias?
Oedipus believes that knowing the truth will help him
Why does the priest believe Oedipus can do something about the plague in Thebes?
Oedipus saved Thebes once before
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
d. Athena, Artemis and Phoebus Apollo
Jocasta’s faith in Oedipus’ innocence primarily stems from her
interest in preserving her status and prestige
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
- letting Laius’. murderer go uncaught
Teiresias’ calling Oedipus blind is both
a. insulting and insolent
b. impolitical and treasonous
c. metaphoric and prophetic
d. literal and figurative
c. metaphoric and prophetic
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
b. Oedipus is pronouncing his own doom
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
c. arrogant and sure of himself
Whom does Creon say killed Laius?
Robbers
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
b. acting to protect his people
