Oedipus Rex Quiz Test Questions And Answers

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1. How did Jocosta die?

Explanation

Jocosta kills herself. This is evident in the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles, where Jocasta, upon discovering the truth about her marriage to her son Oedipus, is overwhelmed with guilt and despair. Unable to cope with the horrifying reality, she takes her own life. This tragic event serves as a turning point in the play, leading to Oedipus' downfall and the unraveling of the truth surrounding his identity.

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About This Quiz
Oedipus Rex Quiz Test Questions And Answers - Quiz

You need to take this ultimate Oedipus Rex quiz test with questions and answers if you consider yourself to be a history buff. In this quiz, we will... see moredelve into the specific questions surrounding the legend and myth of Oedipus who suffered a great tragedy, to say any more would be comparable to giving spoilers so let's jump right in! Have fun while taking this quiz and don't forget to let all the other Oedipus Rex fans know about it!
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2. What does Teiresias tell Oedipus when he arrives?

Explanation

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

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3. How would you describe Oedipus attitude at the beginning of the play?

Explanation

At the beginning of the play, Oedipus is portrayed as arrogant and sure of himself. This is evident in his interactions with others, as he displays a sense of superiority and confidence in his abilities. He believes he has the power to solve the riddle of the Sphinx and save the city of Thebes. Oedipus' arrogance is also seen in his refusal to listen to the advice or warnings of others, as he believes he knows best. This attitude ultimately leads to his downfall as the truth about his past is revealed.

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4. What information did Creon get from the Oracle at Delphi?

Explanation

The correct answer is that the killer of Laius must be found to save the city. This information from the Oracle at Delphi suggests that there is a threat to the city and finding the killer of Laius is necessary to protect it. The Oracle's message implies that the city's well-being is at stake and taking action to identify and punish the killer is crucial for its survival.

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5. What did the Oracle tell Oedipus when he was a young boy?

Explanation

The Oracle told Oedipus when he was a young boy that he would marry his mother and kill his father. This prophecy ultimately came true, as Oedipus unknowingly married his mother Jocasta and killed his father King Laius. This prophecy was a crucial element in the tragic fate of Oedipus, leading to his downfall and the revelation of his true identity.

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6. What should happen to the killer of Laius when he is found?

Explanation

In the story of Oedipus, Laius was the former king of Thebes who was murdered. According to the prophecy, the killer must be banished from Thebes or put to death as a form of punishment. This is because the crime committed is considered grave and goes against the laws and norms of the society. The punishment serves as a way to maintain justice and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

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7. How does Oedipus respond when Teiresias accuses him of killing Lauis?

Explanation

Oedipus responds to Teiresias' accusation by accusing Teiresias himself of murdering Laius with Creon. This shows that Oedipus is defensive and unwilling to accept responsibility for the crime. He tries to shift the blame onto Teiresias and Creon, indicating his refusal to believe the truth and his desperate attempt to protect his own reputation.

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8. What does Jocasta attempt to prove to Oedipus about Teiresias' prophecy?

Explanation

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

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9. What is the priest doing at the beginning of play?

Explanation

At the beginning of the play, the priest is seen asking the gods for help to stop the plague. This suggests that the city is facing a crisis, and the priest believes that divine intervention is necessary to overcome it. The act of seeking assistance from the gods indicates the priest's faith and belief in their power to bring about a resolution to the plague.

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10. Who gave Oedipus to Polybus and Merope when he was a baby?

Explanation

When Oedipus was a baby, he was given to Polybus and Merope by a messenger. This messenger was responsible for delivering Oedipus to the couple, who then raised him as their own son. The messenger's role in this act is significant as it sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold in Oedipus' life.

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11. How does Jocasta respond to the messenger's story?

Explanation

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 disturbing or troubling to Jocasta, causing her distress.

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12. Where did Oedipus send Creon to at the beginning of the play?

Explanation

At the beginning of the play, Oedipus sends Creon to the Oracle of Delphi. Oedipus is seeking guidance and answers regarding the plague that has struck Thebes, and he believes that the Oracle will be able to provide him with the necessary information. By sending Creon to the Oracle, Oedipus hopes to find a solution to the plague and restore peace and prosperity to the city.

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13. Who does Creon tell Oedipus to send for?

Explanation

Creon tells Oedipus to send for Teiresias. Teiresias is a blind prophet who has the ability to see the truth and reveal it to others. In the play "Oedipus Rex," Oedipus seeks Teiresias' help in solving the mystery of who murdered King Laius. Teiresias reluctantly agrees to share his knowledge, leading to a series of revelations that ultimately expose Oedipus' own guilt in the murder. Thus, sending for Teiresias is crucial in unraveling the truth and advancing the plot of the play.

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14. What is Jocasta doing the next time she leaves the palace?

Explanation

The given answer states that Jocasta is locking herself in her room to kill herself. This suggests that Jocasta is feeling extreme despair and has decided to take her own life. This action implies that she is overwhelmed by the tragic events that have unfolded and sees no other way to escape her pain.

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15. Why didn't anyone go investigate the murder of Lauis when it happened? (Why did they wait so many years after his death?)

Explanation

During the time when Lauis was murdered, the city was under attack by the Sphinx. This would have created a chaotic and dangerous environment, diverting the attention and resources of the people away from investigating the murder. The priority would have been to protect the city and its inhabitants from the threat of the Sphinx, leaving little time or manpower to devote to solving a murder case. Therefore, the investigation was likely postponed until the Sphinx was defeated and the city's safety was ensured.

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16. Where was Lauis killed?

Explanation

Lauis was killed while traveling to Delphi. This suggests that he was on a journey to visit the Oracle at Delphi when he met his demise. The question implies that his death occurred during this specific trip, ruling out the other options of dying in battle or being in jail for killing his son.

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17. What does Oedipus announce to the people of Thebes after he hears the news from the Oracle?

Explanation

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 also declares that if anyone knows who killed Laius, they should come and tell him. Therefore, the correct answer is "Both A and B" as Oedipus makes both of these announcements to the people of Thebes.

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18. Who did the people of Thebes think had killed Laius?

Explanation

The people of Thebes believed that robbers were responsible for the death of Laius. This could be because there were no witnesses to the crime, and it was assumed that a group of robbers attacked and killed him. Additionally, the idea of robbers committing such a crime would have been more plausible and acceptable to the people, rather than suspecting someone from within their own community.

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19. What happens to Oedipus at the end of the play?

Explanation

At the end of the play, Oedipus stabs himself in the eyes as an act of self-punishment and to blind himself from the truth. Additionally, he is banished from Thebes as a result of his actions and the revelation of his true identity. Both actions, stabbing himself in the eyes and being banished, occur simultaneously, leading to the answer "Both A and B."

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20. Why does Jocasta's story about the prophecy that Lauis received upset Oedipus?

Explanation

Jocasta's story about the prophecy that Lauis received upsets Oedipus because it reveals that he unknowingly fulfilled the prophecy by killing a man on the road. This realization disturbs Oedipus as it connects him to the murder of his father, Polybus, who was killed in the same manner. It shatters his belief that he is innocent and brings to light the horrifying truth that he is the one responsible for his father's death. This revelation deeply troubles Oedipus and causes him great distress.

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21. What news does the messenger bring from Cornith?

Explanation

The messenger brings the news that Polybus was not Oedipus's real father and that Polybus is dead. This implies that Oedipus's true parentage has been revealed and that his adoptive father has passed away.

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How did Jocosta die?
What does Teiresias tell Oedipus when he arrives?
How would you describe Oedipus attitude at the beginning of the play?
What information did Creon get from the Oracle at Delphi?
What did the Oracle tell Oedipus when he was a young boy?
What should happen to the killer of Laius when he is found?
How does Oedipus respond when Teiresias accuses him of killing Lauis?
What does Jocasta attempt to prove to Oedipus about Teiresias'...
What is the priest doing at the beginning of play?
Who gave Oedipus to Polybus and Merope when he was a baby?
How does Jocasta respond to the messenger's story?
Where did Oedipus send Creon to at the beginning of the play?
Who does Creon tell Oedipus to send for?
What is Jocasta doing the next time she leaves the palace?
Why didn't anyone go investigate the murder of Lauis when it...
Where was Lauis killed?
What does Oedipus announce to the people of Thebes after he hears the...
Who did the people of Thebes think had killed Laius?
What happens to Oedipus at the end of the play?
Why does Jocasta's story about the prophecy that Lauis received...
What news does the messenger bring from Cornith?
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