Oedipus The King by Sophocles

Question 1

What is Oedipus’s role at the beginning of Oedipus Rex?

Answer 1

Oedipus is the king of Thebes, who is actively seeking a solution to the city’s plague.

Question 2

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of fate and free will in the prologue?

Answer 2

Oedipus believes he can solve the city’s crisis and prevent its suffering, displaying his belief in his own control over fate.

Question 3

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of kingship in the prologue?

Answer 3

Oedipus takes a proactive role as king, using his authority to demand solutions for the city’s plight, showing his strong sense of responsibility and leadership.

Question 4

What is the Chorus’s role in the Parados?

Answer 4

The Chorus sings about the devastation of Thebes due to the plague and prays to the gods for salvation.

Question 5

How does the Chorus demonstrate the theme of kingship in the parados?

Answer 5

The Chorus reflects on the importance of leadership and the role of kingship in ensuring the well-being of the city, foreshadowing the need for Oedipus’s intervention.

Question 6

How does the Chorus demonstrate the theme of fate and free will in the parados?

Answer 6

The Chorus acknowledges the power of the gods in the city’s suffering, setting the tone for the theme of fate versus human agency.

Question 7

What message does Creon bring from the oracle in Episode 1?

Answer 7

Creon reveals that the plague will only end when the murderer of Laius is found and punished.

Question 8

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of ignorance and truth in Episode 1?

Answer 8

Oedipus, unaware that he is the one responsible for Laius’s death, speaks of the importance of discovering the truth, unaware that this search will lead to his own tragic revelation.

Question 9

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of action and reflection in Episode 1?

Answer 9

Oedipus takes immediate action to solve the plague, demanding that the citizens of Thebes reflect on the past to uncover the truth.

Question 10

What does the Chorus reflect on in the First Choral Ode?

Answer 10

The Chorus reflects on the city’s suffering and calls upon the gods for mercy, emphasising the powerlessness of humans before the divine.

Question 11

How does the Chorus demonstrate the theme of sight and blindness in the First Choral Ode?

Answer 11

The Chorus contrasts human sight with divine sight, suggesting that while humans may not see the full truth, the gods have perfect vision.

Question 12

What is Jocasta’s reaction to the prophecy in Episode 2?

Answer 12

Jocasta dismisses the prophecy about Laius’s death, thinking that the prophecy was false and that she has avoided its fulfilment.

Question 13

How does Jocasta demonstrate the theme of ignorance and truth in Episode 2?

Answer 13

Jocasta’s denial of the prophecy reflects her desire to remain ignorant of the truth, yet she unknowingly plays a part in fulfilling it.

Question 14

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of fate and free will in Episode 2?

Answer 14

Oedipus struggles to understand whether his actions are guided by fate or his own free will, beginning to suspect that he is somehow connected to the prophecy.

Question 15

What is the central theme of the Second Choral Ode?

Answer 15

The Chorus meditates on the power of fate and the unpredictability of human life, emphasising that no one is immune to suffering.

Question 16

How does the Chorus demonstrate the theme of fate and free will in the Second Choral Ode?

Answer 16

The Chorus contemplates the limits of human control over fate, reinforcing the idea that fate controls even the kings and gods.

Question 17

What crucial information does Jocasta reveal in Episode 2?

Answer 17

Jocasta reveals that Laius was killed by robbers at a crossroads and that an oracle once predicted that their son would kill Laius.

Question 18

How does Jocasta demonstrate the theme of ignorance and truth in Episode 3?

Answer 18

Jocasta reveals parts of the truth unknowingly, and her efforts to dismiss the prophecy highlight her inability to see the full picture.

Question 19

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of action and reflection in Episode 3?

Answer 19

Oedipus reflects on the clues he has gathered, and his actions to uncover the truth intensify, despite the mounting signs of a terrible discovery.

Question 20

What does the Chorus emphasise in the Third Choral Ode?

Answer 20

The Chorus emphasises the fragility of human happiness and the unpredictable nature of life.

Question 21

How does the Chorus demonstrate the theme of sight and blindness in the Third Choral Ode?

Answer 21

The Chorus alludes to the idea that humans, despite their sight, cannot truly understand or control their fate, contrasting human blindness with divine clarity.

Question 22

What revelation occurs in Episode 4?

Answer 22

Oedipus learns that he is the son of Laius and Jocasta, fulfilling the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother.

Question 23

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of ignorance and truth in Episode 4?

Answer 23

Oedipus finally confronts the truth of his identity, symbolising the painful consequences of knowledge.

Question 24

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of fate and free will in Episode 4?

Answer 24

Oedipus faces the realisation that his entire life has been governed by fate, despite his efforts to avoid it, underscoring the powerlessness of human free will.

Question 25

What does the Chorus reflect on in the Fourth Choral Ode?

Answer 25

The Chorus reflects on the dangers of pride (hubris) and the need for humility, warning that even kings are subject to divine retribution.

Question 26

How does the Chorus demonstrate the theme of kingship in the Fourth Choral Ode?

Answer 26

The Chorus reflects on the responsibility and vulnerability of kingship, suggesting that no leader is immune to the will of the gods.

Question 28

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of action and reflection in the Fourth Choral Ode?

Answer 28

Oedipus’s actions, motivated by his quest for truth, ultimately lead to his tragic downfall, emphasising the consequences of reflecting too much on one’s actions.

Question 28

What happens at the end of the Exodos?

Answer 28

Oedipus blinds himself in despair after learning the truth of his identity and his role in fulfilling the prophecy. He then prepares to leave Thebes.

Question 28

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of sight and blindness in the Exodos?

Answer 28

Oedipus blinds himself in gory detail as a symbol of his inability to face the truth until it is too late, highlighting the theme of physical blindness as a metaphor for self-awareness.

Question 29

How does Oedipus demonstrate the theme of fate and free will in the Exodos?

Answer 29

Oedipus accepts his fate by blinding himself, realising that despite his earlier efforts to change his destiny, he was always bound by it.

Question 30

How does the Messenger from Corinth contribute to Oedipus’s realisation of his true identity?

Answer 30

The Messenger reveals that Oedipus was adopted, prompting him to seek the truth about his origins.

Question 31

What role does the Shepherd play in revealing Oedipus’s true identity?

Answer 31

The Shepherd confirms that Oedipus is the son of Laius and Jocasta, completing the revelation of Oedipus’s identity.

Question 32

How does Jocasta initially react to Oedipus’s search for the truth?

Answer 32

Jocasta denies the prophecy and tries to stop Oedipus from pursuing the truth.

Question 33

What leads to Jocasta’s tragic end?

Answer 33

Jocasta’s realisation that Oedipus is her son causes her to despair, leading to her suicide.

Question 34

What does Oedipus’s self-blinding symbolise?

Answer 34

It symbolises the transition from physical sight to understanding his fate and guilt.