Questions and Answers
Who wrote Oedipus the King?
Sophocles
How does the beginning of Oedipus the King show the direction of the play?
Starts with people dying - foreshadows death
What are the virtues of Oedipus the King? (Select all that apply)
Who solves the riddle of the sphinx?
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What are the weaknesses of Oedipus the King? (Select all that apply)
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Who does Oedipus send to the oracle of Delphi?
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What character believes in chance over fate?
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How does Jocasta kill herself?
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When does the story move from detective to psychological?
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What is the setting of Oedipus the King?
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What's an example of how Oedipus is reliable?
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What does the oracle tell Creon?
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Who is the former King of Thebes?
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Who is the blind prophet?
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Who does Oedipus accuse of trying to steal the crown?
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Where did Oedipus grow up?
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What is the blind man's riddle (Tiresias)?
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Who is Oedipus's wife?
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Who told Oedipus that he would murder his father and sleep with his mother?
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What made Oedipus want to flee to Thebes?
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Who took the baby to the royal family in Corinth?
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Who is Oedipus's 'father'?
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Who is Oedipus's 'mother'?
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Who is the shepherd that delivered the baby to the messenger?
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What is associated with Oedipus regarding swift action and great insight?
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What does Oedipus's name bring on at first?
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Describe Oedipus throughout the play.
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How is Oedipus's way of being swift and quick a bad thing?
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Who represents the power of human law and the need for order?
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How would you describe Creon?
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In the end, why is Creon happy?
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What does the play begin with?
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Study Notes
Author and Overview
- Oedipus the King is written by Sophocles, a significant figure in classical Greek theatre.
- The play opens with a plague in Thebes, foreshadowing the dire events to follow.
Character Analysis
- Oedipus is characterized by his intelligence, problem-solving skills, and reliability, especially towards the Theban people.
- His strengths are countered by significant weaknesses: rage, anger, and an overwhelming sense of pride/arrogance.
- Jocasta: Initially believes in chance over fate, showcasing a contrasting perspective to Oedipus's belief in destiny.
Plot Developments
- The narrative shifts from detective to psychological when Jocasta becomes skeptical after hearing news from the oracle.
- Creon, Oedipus's brother-in-law, is sent to the oracle of Delphi to seek answers regarding the plague and the murderer of Laius.
Key Events and Symbols
- Oedipus solves the riddle of the sphinx, a significant feat that establishes his leadership.
- The blind prophet Tiresias provides insight, revealing that the murderer will be the son of his own wife and both father and brother to his children, hinting at Oedipus’s tragic fate.
- Oedipus experiences a turning point after the oracle of Delphi prophesizes that he will kill his father and marry his mother, inciting his flight to Thebes.
Relationships and Consequences
- Jocasta’s tragic end: She ultimately hangs herself in despair upon realizing the truth of her relationship with Oedipus.
- Creon emerges as a figure representing human law and the necessity for order, illustrating a contrasting response to the chaos that unfolds.
- The role of messenger and shepherd are pivotal in the backstory, revealing how Oedipus was delivered to Corinth.
Thematic Elements
- The concept of swift action and insight attributed to Oedipus initially signifies strength but later manifests as rashness, leading to violent outcomes.
- Oedipus’s journey is marked by his attempts to outrun fate, symbolizing a constant struggle with destiny throughout the play.
Final Outcomes
- The play culminates as Oedipus is exiled, a consequence of his quest for truth, leaving Creon in a position of power and a sense of twisted satisfaction.
- The curse attached to Oedipus's name evolves from a symbol of confidence to one of doom as the narrative progresses.
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Description
Explore key concepts and characters from 'Oedipus the King' by Sophocles through these flashcards. This quiz focuses on important elements such as the author, plot foreshadowing, and the virtues of the main character. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic play.