Oedipus Rex
Name
________________________
By: Sophocles
Mod ___________
1. Describe the situation in Thebes at the beginning of the play.
2. Why have the people come to Oedipus?
3. Why has Oedipus sent Creon to the oracle of Apollo?
4. What advice does Creon bring from the oracle?
5. What does Oedipus promise to the people of Thebes?
6. For what is the Chorus praying?
7. What is Oedipus’ proclamation to the citizens of Thebes?
8. Who is Tiresias? Why has Oedipus sent for him?
9. What shocking news does Tiresias reveal to Oedipus?
10. What is Oedipus’ reaction to this news?
11. What terrible prediction does Tiresias make concerning Oedipus’ future?
12. Explain the attitudes of the Chorus toward Oedipus at this time.
13. Explain the quarrel that took place between Oedipus and Creon.
14. How does Creon attempt to vindicate himself?
15. What advice does Jocasta give Oedipus and Creon?
16. What does Jocasta tell Oedipus that disturbs him?
17. Why does Oedipus want the old shepherd to be brought to the palace?
18. Interpret the message of the Chorus.
19. Why does Jocasta call to Apollo for help?
20. What message does the Corinthian messenger bring?
21. Explain Jocasta’s speech on “chance”
22. What dreadful fact does the messenger reveal?
23. What is Jocasta’s attitude toward continuing the search? Why?
24. Explain Oedipus’ attitude toward continuing the search.
25. What is the Chorus discussing here?
26. What truth is the shepherd finally forced to reveal?
27. Paraphrase the words of the Chorus.
28. What finally happens to Jocasta?
29. What punishment does Oedipus choose for himself? Why?
30. What does Oedipus ask of Creon?
31. What does Oedipus say to his daughters, Antigone and Ismene?
32. Explain the final message of the Chorus.