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Oedipus Rex: Part 1 Study Guide
Page 264-283, Lines 1-572
1.
Lines 1-245 are usually considered to be the Prologue. What is the dramatic
purpose of this opening scene?
2.
How does Oedipus characterize himself?
3.
What conditions in Thebes does the priest describe?
4.
How do the suppliants view Oedipus? What request does the priest make of
Oedipus?
5.
Dramatic irony is a much used literary device in this play. What is dramatic
irony?
6.
Remember that the Athenian audience came into the theatre already knowing
the story of Oedipus and his horrible fate. Explain the irony in Creon’s report.
7.
According to Creon, what did Apollo say must be done in order to cure Thebes
of the pestilence?
8.
According to Creon, what were the circumstances of Laius’s death?
9.
What does Oedipus declare he will do?
10. What is the reaction of the Chorus to the advice of Apollo to Thebes? (169-179)
11. Explain the following examples of drama irony in Oedipus’ speech:
12. (254-261)
13. (262-279)
14. (284-287)
15. (295-306)
16. Why does Oedipus summon Tiresias?
17. What is Tiresias’s reaction to Oedipus’s request for help?
18. How does Oedipus interpret Tiresias’s behavior?
19. What does Tiresias reveal to Oedipus as a result of the King’s angry accusation?
20. Note the emphasis on sight and blindness in the dialogue between Oedipus and
Tiresias. What irony is embedded in this emphasis?
21. What suspicion does Oedipus begin to harbor about Creon?
22. What superiority does Oedipus claim over Tiresias? (445-454)
23. Tiresias then tells Oedipus the horrible truth about himself. What does Tiresias
predict will happen to Oedipus?
24. What is the Chorus’s view of Tiresias’s accusations against Oedipus?
25. How would you characterize Oedipus thus far in the story?