Oedipus Rex Test Actual Questions and Answers
2024 Graded A+.
Why were Greek dramas originally performed? What was this God in charge of?
Greek dramas were originally performed honoring Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and rebirth.
Briefly define "Tragedy". What does the word tragedy come from?
Tragedy- a serious drama featuring a none, dignified protagonist who strives to achieve something but is
ultimately defeated.; it is derived from the Greek "tragodia," meaning goat-song
What is the chorus? What was their purpose? Why were they a necessity in Greek theater?
The chorus commented on the events and participated in them. They were a large group within the cast.
They made transitions between scenes giving actors the chance to leave the playing are, and announced
the playbill.
In what city does the action of the play take place?
Thebes
What problem is afflicting Thebes at this time? In what ways is this problem hurting the city?
The plague. It's devastating the city and creating drama. They go and ask Oedipus for help.
Who is the current King of Thebes? How did he become king?
Oedipus became the King of Thebes by killing the sphinx by answering it's riddle
Who is Creon?
Jocasta's brother
When Creon returns what information does he report to Oedipus? What have the gods commanded?
Creon says that a murderer living in Thebes is the reason for the plague. The gods command to take
revenge on the killer.
Who was King before Oedipus?
King Laius
What happened to the former King? How did it happen? Why was this crime not solved?
Laius was killed at the place where three roads meet by a group of highway men. The crime was never
looked into because of the Sphinx's invasion on Thebes.
What curse does Oedipus put on anyone that knows the murderer but doesn't speak out?
That person will be shunned and not be allowed to join in sacrifice, lustration, or in prayer
, What curse does Oedipus put on the criminal?
To be condemned to evil and wretchedness
In lines 245-260, Oedipus makes an impassioned speech about Laius and his murder. What does
Oedipus vow to do? What are the ironies in this speech?
Oedipus vows to do what a son to Laius would do and search for his murderer and punish him. It's ironic
because Oedipus /is/ Laius' son
Who is Tieresias?
a blind seer
When he is called to Oedipus, what does Teiresias refuse to do? Why?
Teiresias refuses to tell Oedipus who the murderer is because it's Oedipus and he doesn't want him to
overreact.
Who does Teiresias say is the murderer?
Oedipus
Who does Oedipus think is out to take his throne/steal his power?
the murderer
What argument does Creon use to defend himself against Oedipus' charge of plotting with Teiresias to
overthrow him?
Why would he kill Oedipus, he has all the perks of his job with no downsides
In what ways is Creon's personality a contrast to Oedipus' personality?
Creon is calmer and more down to earth.
Why does Oedipus decide to let Creon go and not put him to death?
The choragus was sad, so he felt bad and didn't do it.
Who is Jocasta? How is she related to Oedipus? Creon?
She is Oedipus' wife and mom. She is Creon's sister
After questioning Jocasta about the details of Laius' death, what does Oedipus suspect/fear
Oedipus fears he is the one who killed Laius
What facts lead him to feel this way?
Same location as where he murdered a group of men on the highway, The king had a lot of people with
him, and It was right before he got to Thebes
How does Oedipus plan to determine if he was the man who killed Laius?
2024 Graded A+.
Why were Greek dramas originally performed? What was this God in charge of?
Greek dramas were originally performed honoring Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and rebirth.
Briefly define "Tragedy". What does the word tragedy come from?
Tragedy- a serious drama featuring a none, dignified protagonist who strives to achieve something but is
ultimately defeated.; it is derived from the Greek "tragodia," meaning goat-song
What is the chorus? What was their purpose? Why were they a necessity in Greek theater?
The chorus commented on the events and participated in them. They were a large group within the cast.
They made transitions between scenes giving actors the chance to leave the playing are, and announced
the playbill.
In what city does the action of the play take place?
Thebes
What problem is afflicting Thebes at this time? In what ways is this problem hurting the city?
The plague. It's devastating the city and creating drama. They go and ask Oedipus for help.
Who is the current King of Thebes? How did he become king?
Oedipus became the King of Thebes by killing the sphinx by answering it's riddle
Who is Creon?
Jocasta's brother
When Creon returns what information does he report to Oedipus? What have the gods commanded?
Creon says that a murderer living in Thebes is the reason for the plague. The gods command to take
revenge on the killer.
Who was King before Oedipus?
King Laius
What happened to the former King? How did it happen? Why was this crime not solved?
Laius was killed at the place where three roads meet by a group of highway men. The crime was never
looked into because of the Sphinx's invasion on Thebes.
What curse does Oedipus put on anyone that knows the murderer but doesn't speak out?
That person will be shunned and not be allowed to join in sacrifice, lustration, or in prayer
, What curse does Oedipus put on the criminal?
To be condemned to evil and wretchedness
In lines 245-260, Oedipus makes an impassioned speech about Laius and his murder. What does
Oedipus vow to do? What are the ironies in this speech?
Oedipus vows to do what a son to Laius would do and search for his murderer and punish him. It's ironic
because Oedipus /is/ Laius' son
Who is Tieresias?
a blind seer
When he is called to Oedipus, what does Teiresias refuse to do? Why?
Teiresias refuses to tell Oedipus who the murderer is because it's Oedipus and he doesn't want him to
overreact.
Who does Teiresias say is the murderer?
Oedipus
Who does Oedipus think is out to take his throne/steal his power?
the murderer
What argument does Creon use to defend himself against Oedipus' charge of plotting with Teiresias to
overthrow him?
Why would he kill Oedipus, he has all the perks of his job with no downsides
In what ways is Creon's personality a contrast to Oedipus' personality?
Creon is calmer and more down to earth.
Why does Oedipus decide to let Creon go and not put him to death?
The choragus was sad, so he felt bad and didn't do it.
Who is Jocasta? How is she related to Oedipus? Creon?
She is Oedipus' wife and mom. She is Creon's sister
After questioning Jocasta about the details of Laius' death, what does Oedipus suspect/fear
Oedipus fears he is the one who killed Laius
What facts lead him to feel this way?
Same location as where he murdered a group of men on the highway, The king had a lot of people with
him, and It was right before he got to Thebes
How does Oedipus plan to determine if he was the man who killed Laius?
