Oedipus Rex Flashcards
How did Oedipus become king of Thebes?
He answered the riddle from the Sphinx and saved Thebes, then since Laius was dead, he became king
What is dramatic irony?
When the audience knows more than the characters
What is the famous prophecy that causes conflict throughout the play?
Oedipus is going to kill his father and marry his mother
How was it that Oedipus ended up in Corinth?
His parents wanted him dead so they gave him to someone to go leave on a mountain to die, but the person felt bad and gave him to the king and queen of Corinth
What are essential parts of a Greek tragedy?
- it presents a cathartic experience
- it’s protagonist possesses a tragic flaw
- it concludes a chorus that comments on the action of play
A central idea of the play concerns how difficult it is is for humans to:
Face the truth about themselves
Whom does the chorus represent in Oedipus Rex?
The people of Thebes
What happens to Jocasta when she finally recognizes the truth concerning Oedipus’s parentage?
She hangs herself
What does Oedipus fear will happen to his daughters?
They will be shunned because of their fathers deeds
Which word best describes Creon’s attitude toward Oedipus?
Compassionate
What is Oedipus’s punishment at the end of the play?
- renouncing his thrown
- blinding
- banishment
A central issue of Oedipus Rex concerns the…
Acceptance of destiny
Jocasta reveals that she knows the truth about Oedipus when she:
Discourages Oedipus from summoning the herdsman
What is the reaction of the chorus after Oedipus discovers his true identity?
Pity and despair
