Oedipus – Study guide, Scenes 2 and 3
Scene 2 (p. 39 – 50)
1. As this scene opens, Creon is addressing the Chorus – about?
2. Does Oedipus have any evidence upon which to base his charge?
3. What is Creon’s defense against Oedipus’ charge? Find the lines.
4. Explain this quote: (42) “Time will teach / The truth of this: for time alone can
prove/The honest man; one day proclaims the sinner.”
5. Give an example of the Chorus’ role of “voice of reason.”
6. To prove Teiresias wrong, Jocasta says: “No man possesses the secret of
divination./ And I have proof.” She then proceeds to explain the prophecy of her
son’s birth.
7. Jocasta’s words lead to the beginning of self-doubt in Oedipus - find the four
lines.
8. Jocasta inadvertently lets slip an important clue (bottom on 46) - it is?
9. What does Oedipus hope the shepherd will tell him?
10. Pay attention to the Chorus’ lines (Ode II) starting on p.49. What do they mean
when they say, “Pride breeds the Tyrant?”
Scene 3 – (50-56):
1. The messenger from Corinth: “I’ve got some good news and some bad news!”
Which is which?
2. Jocasta adds to our understanding of fate vs. free will (52) – “Fear?” etc. Explain.
3. Why is Jocasta so desperate to stop Oedipus from pursuing this matter any
further? Her last words to her husband as this scene ends – why are they
significant?
4. Find the lines that show Oedipus still full of pride: