Modified Oedipus Final Exam

Jocosta kills herself.

Teiresias tells Oedipus that he knows who killed Laius but refuses to reveal the identity to him.

The Messenger gave Oedipus to Polybus and Merope when he was a baby.

Lauis was killed while walking on the crossroads. This indicates that he was not killed in battle or in jail for killing his son. The phrase "walking on the crossroads" suggests that Lauis was ambushed or attacked unexpectedly while he was on a regular journey, possibly making him an easy target.

At the beginning of the play, Oedipus sent Creon to the Oracle at Delphi. The Oracle at Delphi was a sacred site where people sought advice and prophecies from the god Apollo. Oedipus believed that consulting the Oracle would help him uncover the truth about the plague that had struck Thebes. By sending Creon to the Oracle, Oedipus hoped to receive guidance on how to end the plague and save his city.

The correct answer states that Creon received information from the Oracle at Delphi that the killer of Laius must be found to save the city. This suggests that the Oracle provided a prophecy or a warning to Creon, emphasizing the importance of identifying and punishing the murderer of Laius in order to protect the well-being and safety of the city.

In the given question, the correct answer is that the killer of Laius must be banished from Thebes or put to death. This implies that the society in Thebes believes in a severe punishment for the crime committed. The options of putting the killer in jail for life or sacrificing them to the Sphinx are not considered as appropriate punishments in this context. The society in Thebes values justice and seeks retribution for the crime, either through banishment or death penalty.

Oedipus responds to Teiresias' accusation by accusing Teiresias himself of murdering Lauis with Creon. This suggests that Oedipus is defensive and unwilling to accept the possibility that he could be responsible for the murder. He tries to shift the blame onto others, indicating his refusal to acknowledge the truth and his desire to protect his own reputation.

At the beginning of the play, the priest is seeking divine intervention by asking the gods for help in putting an end to the plague that has struck the city. This suggests that the priest believes in the power of the gods to bring about a resolution to the crisis and is appealing to their mercy and assistance. The priest's actions reflect the desperation and urgency felt by the people of the city, as they turn to their religious beliefs and practices in the hope of finding a solution to the devastating plague.

At the beginning of the play, Oedipus is portrayed as arrogant and sure of himself. He displays a sense of superiority and self-confidence, believing that he has all the answers and can solve any problem. This is evident in his interactions with others, as he dismisses their concerns and disregards their advice. Oedipus's arrogance is a key aspect of his character, driving the plot forward and contributing to his eventual downfall.

Jocasta responds to the messenger's story by being horribly upset and begging Oedipus to stop asking questions. This suggests that the messenger's story has revealed something distressing or shocking to Jocasta, leading her to react with strong emotions and a plea for Oedipus to cease his investigation.

Jocasta attempts to prove to Oedipus that Teiresias' prophecy is not true.

Jocasta's story about the prophecy that Lauis received upsets Oedipus because it indirectly reveals that Oedipus himself is the one who killed a man at the crossroads. This realization connects the dots for Oedipus, leading him to understand that he unknowingly fulfilled the prophecy by killing his own father, Lauis. This revelation is deeply disturbing and upsetting for Oedipus, as it shatters his perception of himself and his understanding of his past actions.

The Oracle told Oedipus when he was a young boy that he would marry his mother and kill his father. This prophecy plays a crucial role in the tragic events that unfold in the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. Oedipus, unaware of his true parentage, tries to avoid the prophecy by leaving his home and never returning to Thebes. However, fate ultimately brings him back to Thebes where he unknowingly fulfills the prophecy, marrying his mother Jocasta and killing his father King Laius. This prophecy serves as the catalyst for Oedipus' downfall and the tragic consequences that follow.

Creon tells Oedipus to send for Teiresias.

After hearing the news from the Oracle, Oedipus announces to the people of Thebes that if the killer of Laius confesses now, he will only be banished. Additionally, he declares that if anyone knows who killed Laius, they should come tell him. Therefore, the correct answer is both A and B.

Jocasta is planning to take her own life.

The Sphinx was attacking the city, which diverted the attention and resources of the people. Dealing with the threat of the Sphinx became the priority, overshadowing the investigation into the murder of Laius. The urgent need to protect the city and its inhabitants from the Sphinx's attacks likely took precedence over solving a murder that had already taken place.

The people of Thebes believed that robbers were responsible for the murder of Laius. This could be because there was no evidence or witnesses to suggest otherwise, leading them to assume that the crime was committed by robbers. Additionally, in a time when robberies and crimes were common, it would have been a plausible explanation for the murder.

At the end of the play, Oedipus stabs himself in the eyes as an act of self-punishment for his sins. He blinds himself as a way to atone for his actions and to symbolize his inner darkness. Additionally, he is banished from Thebes as a result of his actions and the revelation of his true identity. This punishment serves as a form of exile and further consequence for his incestuous relationship and patricide.

The messenger brings news from Cornith that Polybus, who Oedipus believed to be his real father, is not his biological father. Additionally, the messenger also informs Oedipus that Polybus is dead. Therefore, the correct answer is both A and B.