Modified Oedipus Final Exam
This quiz covers Oedipus the King by Sophocles
- 1.
What is the priest doing at the beginning of play?
- A.
Asking the gods for help to stop the plague
- B.
Accusing Oedipus of killing Laius
- C.
Asking Teiresias to predict the future
Correct Answer
A. Asking the gods for help to stop the plagueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Where did Oedipus send Creon to at the beginning of the play?
- A.
To the Oracle at Delphi
- B.
To be banished from Thebes
- C.
To the crossroads to find Laius
Correct Answer
A. To the Oracle at DelphiExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What information did Creon get from the Oracle at Delphi?
- A.
That Jocasta is going to leave Oedipus for Creon
- B.
That Teiresias killed Laius over money
- C.
That the killer of Laius must be found to save the city
Correct Answer
C. That the killer of Laius must be found to save the cityExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What should happen to the killer of Laius when he is found?
- A.
He must be put in jail for life
- B.
He must be sacrificed to the Sphnix
- C.
He must be banished from Thebes or put to death
Correct Answer
C. He must be banished from Thebes or put to deathExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why didn't anyone go investigate the murder of Lauis when it happened? (Why did they wait so many years after his death?)
- A.
Jocasta went into labor with Oedipus
- B.
The people wanted to cover up Oedipus' murder of Lauis
- C.
The Sphnix was attacking the city
Correct Answer
C. The Sphnix was attacking the cityExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What does Oedipus announce to the people of Thebes after he hears the news from the Oracle?
- A.
That if the killer of Laius confesses now, he will only be banished
- B.
That if anyone knows who killed Laius, they should come tell Oedipus
- C.
Both A and B
Correct Answer
C. Both A and BExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who did the people of Thebes think had killed Laius?
- A.
Teiresias
- B.
Jocasta
- C.
Robbers
Correct Answer
C. RobbersExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who does Creon tell Oedipus to send for?
- A.
Teiresias
- B.
The Sphnix
- C.
Jocasta
Correct Answer
A. TeiresiasExplanation
Creon tells Oedipus to send for Teiresias.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What does Teiresias tell Oedipus when he arrives?
- A.
That he knows who killed Laius, but he won't tell Oedipus
- B.
That Jocasta killed Lauis so she could sleep with Creon
- C.
That Creon killed Lauis
Correct Answer
A. That he knows who killed Laius, but he won't tell OedipusExplanation
Teiresias tells Oedipus that he knows who killed Laius but refuses to reveal the identity to him.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How does Oedipus respond when Teiresias accuses him of killing Lauis?
- A.
He turns himself into jail
- B.
He is happy to know the truth
- C.
He accuses Teiresias of murdering Lauis with Creon
Correct Answer
C. He accuses Teiresias of murdering Lauis with CreonExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 11.
How would you describe Oedipus attitude at the beginning of the play?
- A.
Arrogant and sure of himself
- B.
A bad king who is very lazy
- C.
A supportive husband
Correct Answer
A. Arrogant and sure of himselfExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What does Jocasta attempt to prove to Oedipus about Teiresias' prophecy?
- A.
That it is not true
- B.
That Teiresias is really his father
- C.
That Creon killed Laius at the crossroads
Correct Answer
A. That it is not trueExplanation
Jocasta attempts to prove to Oedipus that Teiresias' prophecy is not true.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Where was Lauis killed?
- A.
While fighting in battle
- B.
While walking on the crossroads
- C.
In jail for killing his son
Correct Answer
B. While walking on the crossroadsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Why does Jocasta's story about the prophecy that Lauis received upset Oedipus?
- A.
His father, Polybus was killed in the same way
- B.
He killed a man at the crossroads
- C.
He fought in the battle that Lauis was killed in
Correct Answer
B. He killed a man at the crossroadsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What did the Oracle tell Oedipus when he was a young boy?
- A.
That his mother was Jocasta
- B.
That he should never go to Thebes
- C.
That he would marry his mother and kill his father
Correct Answer
C. That he would marry his mother and kill his fatherExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is Jocasta doing the next time she leaves the palace?
- A.
Killing her children
- B.
Running away from Thebes
- C.
To kill herself
Correct Answer
C. To kill herselfExplanation
Jocasta is planning to take her own life.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Who gave Oedipus to Polybus and Merope when she was a baby?
- A.
The Sphnix
- B.
Teiresias
- C.
The Messenger
Correct Answer
C. The MessengerExplanation
The Messenger gave Oedipus to Polybus and Merope when he was a baby.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What news does the messenger bring from Cornith?
- A.
That Polybus was not Oedipus real father
- B.
That Polybus is dead
- C.
Both A and B
Correct Answer
C. Both A and BExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 19.
How does Jocasta respond to the messenger's story?
- A.
She stabs the messenger
- B.
She is horribly upset and begs Oedipus to stop asking questions
- C.
She is happy that the truth has come out
Correct Answer
B. She is horribly upset and begs Oedipus to stop asking questionsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 20.
How did Jocosta die?
- A.
Creon poisons her
- B.
She kills herself
- C.
She gets ate by the Sphnix
Correct Answer
B. She kills herselfExplanation
Jocosta kills herself.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What happens to Oedipus at the end of the play?
- A.
He stabs himself in the eyes
- B.
He is banished from Thebes
- C.
Both A and B
Correct Answer
C. Both A and BExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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