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?
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What news does Creon bring?
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What does Oedipus vow because of this news?
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What does Tiresias tell Oedipus?
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How does Oedipus react to this prophecy?
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Why did Oedipus leave Corinth?
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Where was Laius murdered?
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Why did Jocasta abandon her first child?
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What is revealed about Oedipus' parents?
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Why does Oedipus send for the old shepherd?
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What news does the shepherd bring?
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What is Oedipus' reaction to the truth of his birth?
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What becomes of Jocasta?
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Who becomes king of Thebes?
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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.