Oedipus Study Guide #3
For bottom of page 27 to top of page 48
Mrs. Efpatridis
Questions
1. What is the reaction of the Chorus to the events that have occurred?
2. What is revealed to us about Creon’s character?
3. Would you say that Oedipus is justified in his accusations against Creon or not? Explain
b) How does Creon counteract Oedipus’ attack on him? Is it believable? Why or why not?
4. Why does Jocasta choose to tell Oedipus about the prophecy at this time? What “truths” are
revealed? What themes are developed? How does he react?
5. Summarize the true account of Laius’ murder.
6. Explain the significance of the following lines:
a) Quick decisions are not the safest. (35)
b) Given time you will realize all this without fail: time alone reveals the just man-the unjust
you can recognize in one short day.” (34)
c) If he had not come to an agreement with you, Tiresias would never have called the murder
of Laius my work. (33)
d) Listen to her King Oedipus. Think over your decision, take her advice. I beg you. (37)
e) I can teach you something. (41)
f) Don’t pay attention to prophecies. (41)
g) I am dreadfully afraid the blind prophet could see. (43)
h) I am so full of dreadful expectation. (44)
i) I would not from now on look to the right or to the left. (47)
7. Explain the symbolic significance of the “three highways”.
8. Explain the importance of the role of the slave/shepherd referred to on page 44 and 47.
*******ALSO
Read pages vii-xviii and make notes on
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The play and its connection to history
The life and works of Sophocles
The historical and literary context of the play
The Rise of Athens and Greek Culture
The Decline of Athens
Ancient Greek Theatre and Dionysus
Chronology of Ancient Greek Theatre