Classical Literature Quiz: Oedipus Rex By Sophocles
Ready to take the classical literature quiz about Oedipus Rex by Sophocles? With the city being struck by a mysterious plague, King Oedipus of Thebes sends his brother-in-law Creon to identify the cause. Have you read the story and think that you can remember the story accurately? If so, then take up the test below and get to find out if you should re-read it and come back to tackle the test! Let's get started.
- 1.
What does the priest tell Oedipus is wrong with Thebes?
- A.
The citizens of Thebes hate Oedipus
- B.
The citizens of Thebes are poor
- C.
The citizens of Thebes are suffering from a plague
- D.
The citizens of Thebes love Oedipus
Correct Answer
C. The citizens of Thebes are suffering from a plagueExplanation
The priest informs Oedipus that the citizens of Thebes are suffering from a plague. This suggests that the city is facing a widespread and deadly disease, causing immense suffering among the people. The presence of a plague indicates a grave situation that requires immediate attention and action to prevent further harm and loss of life.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why does the priest believe Oedipus can do something about the problems in Thebes?
- A.
Oedipus doesn’t have a choice
- B.
Oedipus saved Thebes once before
- C.
Oedipus owes the priest a favor
- D.
Because he believe he is the chosen one
Correct Answer
B. Oedipus saved Thebes once beforeExplanation
The priest believes that Oedipus can do something about the problems in Thebes because he saved the city once before. This suggests that Oedipus has a track record of successfully resolving issues in the past, making him a reliable and capable leader in the eyes of the priest.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the name of the king of Thebes prior to Oedipus’s reign?
- A.
Creon
- B.
Teiresias
- C.
Laius
- D.
Leave the city
Correct Answer
C. LaiusExplanation
Laius was the king of Thebes before Oedipus became the ruler. This is evident from the question which asks for the name of the king prior to Oedipus's reign. Laius is a well-known character in Greek mythology, and his story is intertwined with the tragic tale of Oedipus. He was the father of Oedipus and was killed by him unknowingly, fulfilling a prophecy. Therefore, Laius is the correct answer to this question.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What must Oedipus do to save Thebes?
- A.
Find Laius's murderer
- B.
Make medicine for the plague
- C.
Find a new wife
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Find Laius's murdererExplanation
In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Oedipus is determined to save Thebes from the plague that has befallen the city. He believes that finding and punishing the murderer of the former king, Laius, will bring an end to the plague. Oedipus embarks on a quest to uncover the truth and bring justice to Thebes, ultimately discovering that he himself is the murderer he seeks. Therefore, finding Laius's murderer is the correct answer as it is the crucial step for Oedipus to save Thebes.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why wasn’t the death of the former king looked into right after he died?
- A.
The citizens of Thebes hated Laius, so they didn’t care
- B.
Creon wanted to become king, so he never cared enough to investigate
- C.
The sphinx was terrorizing Thebes, so citizens couldn’t investigate
- D.
The sphinx was indulging in sexually and other pleasure and wasn't paying much attention to state affairs.
Correct Answer
C. The sphinx was terrorizing Thebes, so citizens couldn’t investigateExplanation
The citizens of Thebes were unable to investigate the death of the former king right after he died because the sphinx was terrorizing the city. The constant threat and fear caused by the sphinx prevented the citizens from focusing on anything else, including the investigation into the king's death.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What person does the Chorus suggest that Oedipus go to, to find out who killed the former king?
- A.
Teiresias
- B.
The Oracle of Delphi
- C.
Creon
- D.
The city commander
Correct Answer
A. TeiresiasExplanation
The Chorus suggests that Oedipus go to Teiresias to find out who killed the former king. Teiresias is a blind prophet who possesses the ability to see the truth. He is known for his prophetic visions and is often consulted in matters of great importance. Therefore, it is logical for the Chorus to suggest that Oedipus seek Teiresias' guidance in solving the mystery of the king's murder.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who also suggests that Oedipus see the prophet?
- A.
Teiresias
- B.
The Oracle of Delphi
- C.
Creon
- D.
Oedipus's step brother
Correct Answer
C. CreonExplanation
Creon suggests that Oedipus see the prophet.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who is Creon?
- A.
Oedipus’s brother-in-law
- B.
Another priest of Apollo
- C.
Jocasta's son
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Oedipus’s brother-in-lawExplanation
Creon is Oedipus's brother-in-law. In the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles, Creon is married to Oedipus's sister, Jocasta. He is a prominent character who plays a crucial role in the events of the play. Creon is initially seen as a trusted advisor to Oedipus and later becomes the ruler of Thebes after Oedipus's downfall.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who does the prophet that Oedipus speaks to say killed the former king?
- A.
The sphinx
- B.
Laius
- C.
Oedipus
- D.
The priest
Correct Answer
C. OedipusExplanation
The correct answer is Oedipus. In the play Oedipus Rex, Oedipus speaks to the prophet Tiresias, who reveals that Oedipus himself is the one who killed the former king, Laius. This revelation is a central plot point in the tragedy, as it leads to Oedipus discovering his own tragic fate and the truth about his past.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What does Oedipus think about what the person tells him?
- A.
He believes it
- B.
The accusation makes him extremely angry
- C.
He thinks it might be true, but wants more evidence
- D.
He cursed him
Correct Answer
B. The accusation makes him extremely angryExplanation
Oedipus thinks that the accusation makes him extremely angry.Rate this question:
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