Oedipus Overview and Key Characters

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Questions and Answers

How did Oedipus become king of Thebes?

He solved the riddle of the Sphinx. The people were so grateful that they made him King.

What problems does Thebes have?

Thebes is experiencing a plague. The people are sick and dying, babies are born dead or die soon after, women are experiencing infertility, livestock is dying, and crops will not grow.

Who is Creon?

Creon is the brother-in-law of Oedipus (brother of Jocasta).

To where was Creon sent?

He was sent to the temple of Apollo at Delphi to ask the oracle how to end the plague. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Creon bring?

He says that the oracle reports an 'unclean thing' is living in Thebes and must be driven out. It is believed that the murder of Laius is in Thebes and that the plague will continue until the murderer is executed or exiled. Signup and view all the answers

What does Oedipus vow because of this news?

He vows that he will find the murderer and bring him to justice. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tiresias tell Oedipus?

Tiresias tells Oedipus that he is unwise to seek this information and that he is the unclean thing in Thebes. He also tells Oedipus that he will leave Thebes as a blind beggar and that everyone will hate him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Oedipus react to this prophecy?

He is furious and tells Tiresias that he is the one blind to the truth; he also believes Creon and Tiresias are conspiring to overtake the throne. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Oedipus leave Corinth?

He was told by an oracle that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Not realizing that his parents in Corinth had adopted him, he leaves hoping that he will never fulfill this prophecy. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Laius murdered?

He was murdered at the place where the roads meet (the crossroads on the way to Thebes, Corinth, and Delphi). Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jocasta abandon her first child?

Laius had been told that his child would murder him, so the child is abandoned in hopes of avoiding that fate. Signup and view all the answers

What is revealed about Oedipus' parents?

It is revealed that the king and queen of Corinth adopted him; Jocasta and Laius are his biological parents. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Oedipus send for the old shepherd?

He is first sent for because it is thought he was the witness to the murder of Laius; however, by the time he arrives, Oedipus has discovered that he was born in the house of Laius and that this shepherd gave Oedipus to another shepherd from Corinth. Signup and view all the answers

What news does the shepherd bring?

He confirms that Oedipus was indeed the baby he gave away and that Oedipus has married his own mother and killed his own father. Signup and view all the answers

What is Oedipus' reaction to the truth of his birth?

He blinds himself. Signup and view all the answers

What becomes of Jocasta?

She hangs herself. Signup and view all the answers

Who becomes king of Thebes?

Creon does. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oedipus Overview

Oedipus became king of Thebes after solving the Sphinx's riddle, and was celebrated by the grateful citizens.
Thebes faces a dire plague, causing sickness and death among its people, infertility in women, and failure of crops and livestock.

Key Characters

Creon, brother-in-law of Oedipus and brother of Jocasta, plays a key role in the unfolding events.
Tiresias, a blind prophet, warns Oedipus about his quest for the truth regarding the plague.

Prophecies and Revelations

Creon's trip to the oracle at Delphi reveals that Thebes harbors an "unclean thing" related to the murder of Laius; this must be dealt with to end the plague.
Oedipus vows to uncover and punish the murderer to restore health to Thebes.
Tiresias reveals to Oedipus that he himself is the source of the corruption and foretells his future as a blind beggar.

Oedipus' Backstory

Oedipus fled Corinth to escape a prophecy predicting he would kill his father and marry his mother, unaware that he was adopted.
Laius was killed at a crossroads, which becomes a significant location in the narrative.

Jocasta's Action

Jocasta abandoned her first child (Oedipus) to prevent a prophecy where her son would kill Laius.

Discovery of Truth

The old shepherd, initially summoned to witness Laius' murder, reveals that Oedipus is the child he had given away and confirms the tragic consequences of his actions.
Oedipus learns that he unwittingly fulfilled the prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, Jocasta.

Dramatic Consequences

Upon discovering his true parentage and the extent of his tragic fate, Oedipus blinds himself.
Jocasta, unable to cope with the truth, takes her own life.

Aftermath

Following the tragic events, Creon ascends to the throne of Thebes, marking a shift in power after Oedipus' downfall.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential elements of the Oedipus tale, including the background of characters like Oedipus and Creon, as well as the critical prophecies that drive the story. Explore Oedipus's journey as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the plague ravaging Thebes and the shocking revelations that await him.