Oedipus Rex: The Plague in Thebes

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Creon relay as the command from Apollo regarding the corruption in Thebes?

To punish the innocent.

To drive the corruption from the land. (correct)

To hide the corruption until further notice.

To seek forgiveness from the gods.

What does Oedipus express more concern for?

His own life.

The gods' wrath.

The plight of his people. (correct)

The future of Thebes.

Which character was killed in Thebes, according to Creon?

Jocasta.

Laius. (correct)

A messenger.

Creon himself.

According to Creon, how should the murder be addressed?

Banish the man or seek revenge. Signup and view all the answers

What did the sole survivor of Laius's group imply happened during the attack?

A band of thieves killed him. Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Oedipus express while seeking the murderer's whereabouts?

Tracing the ancient guilt related to the murder. Signup and view all the answers

What does Oedipus question about the circumstances of Laius's death?

Where it happened. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Creon to bring Oedipus the message from the god?

To protect the city of Thebes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Furies as described in the content?

They are terrifying goddesses who punish criminals. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used to describe the man being hunted?

He moves like a wild mountain bull. Signup and view all the answers

What key theme is suggested by the 'dark wings beating around him'?

Doom and foreboding Signup and view all the answers

What does the skilled prophet do that causes such fear?

Scans the birds and delivers ominous news. Signup and view all the answers

What is Oedipus's relationship to Polybus as described in the content?

Oedipus thinks he is the son of Polybus. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker express uncertainty about?

The possibility of knowing the truth. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'heart of Earth' represent in the passage?

The location of divine wisdom. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Oedipus to seek out the truth about Laius's murder?

To assist the people of Thebes selflessly Signup and view all the answers

What role does Creon play in the dialogue between him and Oedipus?

He suggests focusing on the Sphinx's challenge Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the phrase 'there is no test, no certain proof'?

Truth is subjective and varies by interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

How does Oedipus view his role in the fate of Thebes?

As the land's avenger Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the Chorus as they chant their plea to the gods?

To seek relief from the plague afflicting Thebes Signup and view all the answers

In the context of this passage, what does the term 'corruption' refer to?

Moral decay in the leadership of Thebes Signup and view all the answers

What does Oedipus instruct the priests to do?

Gather the citizens of Thebes for a meeting Signup and view all the answers

What action does Oedipus take after learning about Laius's murder?

He vows to bring the murderer to justice Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the mention of the Sphinx have on the city of Thebes?

The Sphinx has caused chaos and distraction Signup and view all the answers

What fate is foretold for the protagonist in the passage?

He is destined to bring children into the world that no one can bear to see. Signup and view all the answers

How does the protagonist react upon hearing the oracle's message?

He abandons Corinth and runs away. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at the triple crossroad that the protagonist encounters?

He confronts a herald and kills his father. Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist express about his feelings of isolation?

He feels driven out and shunned by society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist refer to himself as in this passage?

An abomination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'I killed them all—every mother’s son'?

He acknowledges his role in multiple deaths due to his anger. Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist believe he must avoid at all costs?

Returning to his homeland. Signup and view all the answers

How does the protagonist perceive the curses upon him?

They are self-inflicted and deserved. Signup and view all the answers

Which god is mentioned as the lord of frenzy?

Dionysus Signup and view all the answers

What relationship does Oedipus claim to have with the man he recognizes?

Trusted advisor Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Shepherd indicate he mostly did his grazing?

Cithaeron Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Shepherd claim to have in relation to King Laius?

A slave born in the palace Signup and view all the answers

What does Oedipus ask the Shepherd about the Messenger?

If he has ever seen him before Signup and view all the answers

What reason does the Messenger give for the Shepherd's inability to remember him?

His memory is bad Signup and view all the answers

What does Oedipus inquire about first when addressing the Shepherd?

His past service to Laius Signup and view all the answers

Which character expresses uncertainty about their prior encounters?

The Shepherd Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Plague in Thebes

Oedipus assumes the role of Thebes' savior, vowing to find the source of the plague.
He believes that ridding Thebes of the corruption caused by Laius's murder will banish the plague.
The plague is a divine punishment for the unresolved murder of Laius.

Creon's Report

Creon relays Apollo's oracle, demanding the cleansing of the land and the punishment of Laius's murderer.
He states that Laius was killed on his way to consult the oracle at Delphi.
Only one witness, a terrified servant, survived the attack.

Oedipus's Investigation

Oedipus expresses a desire to investigate the murder thoroughly.
He suspects that the killer may have been a paid assassin, rather than a single, daring thief.
He considers himself divinely appointed to solve the mystery.

The Sphinx

The Sphinx's riddle focused the city's attention on a different problem, delaying the investigation into Laius's murder.
This delay, according to Creon, prevented the discovery of the killer.

Oedipus's Confession

Oedipus recounts killing a group of men at a crossroads, including the driver and a man he describes as old and "shouldering him aside".
He expresses his regret and fear, feeling cursed by the gods for his possible involvement in Laius's murder.
He recognizes the weight of his actions and fears being labeled an outcast.

The Shepherd

Oedipus directs his questions to the Shepherd, who is a former servant of Laius.
The Shepherd is tasked with corroborating the Messenger’s account.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the themes and events of Oedipus Rex that revolve around the plague afflicting Thebes. Learn how Oedipus seeks to uncover the truth behind Laius's murder, while facing divine retribution. Dive deep into Creon's report and Oedipus's determination to cleanse the city from its corruption.