Grade 9 Advanced English
Miss Viola
Name:________________________________
Period:______________
Oedipus Journal Prompts
Directions: Answer all questions in the prompt in complete sentences. Make sure to use
examples from the play to answer your questions! Write your name at the top of your journal
response in the Google doc.
Journal prompt 1 (pgs. 6- 28)
 Define “hubris”. How does this relate to Oedipus in the beginning of the play?
 Discuss the state of Thebes at the beginning of the play. How do the people of Thebes
(chorus) react to the prophecy? Discuss their opinions of Oedipus as their king.
Journal prompt 2 (pgs. 28-51)
 Describe Creon and the relationship between him and Oedipus.
 On page 34 Creon says: “As it is now, I have everything I want from you, and nothing to
fear; but if I were king, I would have to do many things I have no mind to. How could the
throne seem more desirable to me than power and authority which bring me no
trouble?” (Sophocles). Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not? Give real
world examples to emphasize your point.
Journal prompt 3 (pgs. 52-69)
 Define dramatic irony. Point out instances in this section of reading the exemplify
dramatic irony. Be sure to use quotes and explain why it is an example of dramatic
irony.
 On page 53 Jocasta says, “Why should man fear? His life is governed by the operations
of chance. Nothing can be clearly forseen” (Sophocles). Do you agree with the
statement? Do human beings truly have free will or are certain aspects of life fated?
Journal prompt 4 (pgs. 70-83)
 Is Oedipus a tragic hero? Use the elements of a tragic hero and quotes from the play to
answer this question.
 Throughout the play, many characters have either been physically blind or been accused
of being “blind”. Why is it symbolic that Oedipus blinds himself at the end of the play?