Total Points:
Name: ___________________________________ Date: _________ Period: _________
Oedipus Reading Project
Reading Check Oedipus lines 107-168
Often times in life, someone can do something to appear one way while revealing
their true reasoning or motivation. For instance, I could ask my aid to go get me a coffee.
My motivation could appear to be any number of reasons, for example a) I’m tired and I
need caffeine b) I’m too lazy to go get it myself c) I’ve got too much going on to go get
one myself. From just hearing my words, “Nate, go get me a coffee,” you may assume
things about me. You might say I’m a jerk, or I’m bossy (which we know isn’t true).
However, unless you really characterize me well and know all about what I’m thinking
and feeling you can’t really give a full, complete reason for me to send him. You may
miss the fact that I’m sending him to get me a coffee so I can wrap his Christmas present.
While you read/review lines 107-168, use your characterization skills to delve
deep into why the characters are doing or saying what they are.
As always, your answers need to be in full, complete, well-written sentences.
1. Why do you think Oedipus did not go to the Oracle at Delphi himself?
2. Why do you think the remaining messenger “could tell us nothing clearly, /
nothing of what he saw?”
3. Originally, when Laius was murdered, the people of Thebes assumed it was a
conspirator, or someone trying to take over the throne. What made them change
their minds?
4. Who convinces them to stop looking for the murderer? Why do you think she
wants them to stop?
5. Oedipus makes a vow to his people in lines 150-159. What three things motivate
him to make this promise?
/10 points
/66
Name: ___________________________________ Date: _________ Period: _________
Oedipus Reading Project
6. Use these motivations to help characterize Oedipus. Which of the three reasons he
gives do you think is his biggest motivation? What might that tell you about what
type of a person he is?
Reading Check “Oedipus Rex” lines 169-314
1. Who does the Chorus represent? (Go back to your notes on Greek drama, or
research on the computer!)
2. In line 245, why do you think Oedipus says, “You pray to the gods? Let me grant
your prayers?” How does he want the people of Thebes to view him?
3. In lines 245- 279, Oedipus tries several different approaches to get people to come
forward with information about Laius’ murder. What emotion do you think causes
him to keep pausing and switching his technique?
4. Why does Oedipus say, “So I will fight for him as if he were my father,” in line
301?
5. Who does Oedipus ask the gods to curse in lines 307-314? Why do you think he
curses them?
/12 points
Name: ___________________________________ Date: _________ Period: _________
Oedipus Reading Project
As you read lines 337-525, I want you to track the theme of blindness vs. sight in
“Oedipus Rex.” I’ve hinted that this theme will be reoccurring, and it will be a major
piece of the text. You will have to fill out the following chart tracking this theme in these
lines. This will build the ammunition you will need for a paper when we finish the play.
Keep an eye out (hehe!) for words like sight, blind, eyes, see.
Line#
338
Quote
“the seer”
Analysis
The term “seer” is ironic when used to describe
Tiresias. He is a blind man who literally can’t see
with his eyes, but can metaphorically see the
past, present, future, and messages from the
gods.
/22 points
Name: ___________________________________ Date: _________ Period: _________
Oedipus Reading Project
Oedipus Reading Check lines 338-570
1. Who does the Choragos (Leader of the Chorus) suggest Oedipus call forth to help
and why?
2. Why does this person not want to speak?
3. What does this person tell Oedipus?
4. Does Oedipus believe him? Why or why not? Explain.
5. Who does Oedipus suspect is trying to ruin him? How does he think this person is
trying to accomplish this? Why does he think this person is trying to ruin?
6. What important information does Tiresias confirm in lines 520-526 (that Oedipus
doesn’t hear)?
7. How does the chorus react to the conversation between Tiresias and Oedipus?
What do they have to say about it? Why might they react in this way?
/14 points
Name: ___________________________________ Date: _________ Period: _________
Oedipus Reading Project
Oedipus Reading Check lines 572-778
1. Why do you think Creon is so upset/afraid at the beginning of this scene?
2. How does Creon treat Oedipus in this scene?
3. What reasoning does Creon give Oedipus in lines 651-676 for not trying to
overthrow him? Be specific.
4. What role does Jocasta play in the fight between Oedipus and Creon? Use quotes
to back up your answer.
/8 points