Questions and Answers
Who is the King of Thebes?
Which character is Jocasta's brother?
Who counsels Oedipus and is blind?
Tiresias
What is Jocasta's relationship to Oedipus?
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Who tells Oedipus that his parents are not his birthright?
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What role does the Shepherd play in Oedipus's life?
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Who are Oedipus's daughters?
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What does the Chorus represent in Oedipus Rex?
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Who was Oedipus's foster-father?
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What does Merope represent in Oedipus's life?
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Who is the original husband of Jocasta?
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What does the Palace Official inform Oedipus?
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Who is Apollo in the context of Oedipus Rex?
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The Sphinx is described as 1/3 bird, 1/3 human, and 1/3 _____.
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Study Notes
Oedipus Rex Character Overview
- Oedipus: King of Thebes, wed to Jocasta, and unknowingly their son, embodies tragic irony.
- Creon: Brother of Jocasta; serves as Oedipus's trusted advisor and acts as a stabilizing force within Thebes.
- Tiresias: Blind prophet endowed with the ability to see the truth; plays a crucial role in revealing Oedipus's fate.
- Jocasta: Queen of Thebes and mother-wife to Oedipus; her tragic fate intertwines with her son's journey.
- Messenger of Corinth: Reveals critical information regarding Oedipus's origins, including the death of his foster father, Polybus.
- Shepherd: The one who saved Oedipus as a baby; his decision to spare Oedipus from death adds complexity to the prophecy.
- Antigone and Ismene: Daughters of Oedipus, represent innocence and the tragic consequences of their father's actions.
- Chorus: Represents the Theban elders who provide commentary on the play's events and guide the audience's emotional responses.
- Polybus: Oedipus's foster father; his death misleads Oedipus regarding his true parentage.
- Merope: Queen of Corinth and Oedipus's foster mother; her relationship with Polybus is central to Oedipus's upbringing.
- Laius: The deceased former King of Thebes, biological father of Oedipus, whose story drives the central conflict.
- Palace Official: Delivers news of Jocasta's death, serving as a narrative pivot in the story's tragic unfolding.
- Apollo: God of prophecy who curses Thebes; the oracle serves as a pivotal source of the play’s themes related to fate and free will.
- Sphinx: Mythical creature causing turmoil in Thebes, symbolizing the mystery and danger that surrounds Oedipus's journey.
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Description
Explore the key characters of Sophocles' 'Oedipus Rex'. This quiz delves into the complex roles of Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon, and more, highlighting their tragic fates and interconnections. Test your understanding of these pivotal figures in this classic Greek tragedy.
