Oedipus the King Flashcards

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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)

Smart (correct)

Reliable to his people (correct)

Cowardly

Solves problems (correct)

Who solves the riddle of the sphinx?

Oedipus the King Signup and view all the answers

What are the weaknesses of Oedipus the King? (Select all that apply)

Rage/anger Signup and view all the answers

Who does Oedipus send to the oracle of Delphi?

Creon Signup and view all the answers

What character believes in chance over fate?

Jocasta Signup and view all the answers

How does Jocasta kill herself?

Hangs herself Signup and view all the answers

When does the story move from detective to psychological?

When Jocasta becomes skeptical after hearing the news from the oracle Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of Oedipus the King?

Thebes Signup and view all the answers

What's an example of how Oedipus is reliable?

When his people want answers about the plague, he sends his brother to the oracle of Delphi Signup and view all the answers

What does the oracle tell Creon?

That the plague will end when the murderer of Laius is caught and expelled Signup and view all the answers

Who is the former King of Thebes?

Laius Signup and view all the answers

Who is the blind prophet?

Tiresias Signup and view all the answers

Who does Oedipus accuse of trying to steal the crown?

Creon and Tiresias Signup and view all the answers

Where did Oedipus grow up?

Corinth Signup and view all the answers

What is the blind man's riddle (Tiresias)?

The murderer of Laius will turn out to be both father and brother to his own children and the son of his own wife Signup and view all the answers

Who is Oedipus's wife?

Jocasta Signup and view all the answers

Who told Oedipus that he would murder his father and sleep with his mother?

The oracle of Delphi Signup and view all the answers

What made Oedipus want to flee to Thebes?

He was being harassed about not belonging to his parents and the oracle told him the prophecy Signup and view all the answers

Who took the baby to the royal family in Corinth?

The messenger Signup and view all the answers

Who is Oedipus's 'father'?

King of Corinth - Polybus Signup and view all the answers

Who is Oedipus's 'mother'?

Merope Signup and view all the answers

Who is the shepherd that delivered the baby to the messenger?

Servant/shepherd of Laius Signup and view all the answers

What is associated with Oedipus regarding swift action and great insight?

Oedipus Signup and view all the answers

What does Oedipus's name bring on at first?

Confidence and boastfulness Signup and view all the answers

Describe Oedipus throughout the play.

Constantly in motion, tried to keep pace with fate Signup and view all the answers

How is Oedipus's way of being swift and quick a bad thing?

Later he acts rashly and kills a band of people Signup and view all the answers

Who represents the power of human law and the need for order?

Creon Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe Creon?

Secretive, businesslike, political Signup and view all the answers

In the end, why is Creon happy?

Oedipus is being exiled and separated from his kids Signup and view all the answers

What does the play begin with?

Plague on Thebes Signup and view all the answers

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.