Oedipus Rex Part II Questions and Literary Analysis

7b. Why does Oedipus insist that he is better off blind and living than dead?

Oedipus believes that exile (suffering) is a fate worse than death

5a. What facts does Oedipus establish by questioning the Herdsman?

Oedipus establishes that the shepherd (herdsman) gave a child to the Corinthian messenger so that the infant could be reared in safety in Corinth. The infant had been given to the herdsman by Jocasta; he was a son of Laius's royal line

3b. Why do you think Oedipus continues his investigation despite Jocasta's strong objections?

Oedipus is so caught up in the search for his true identity that he must persist

5b. Why might this scene be considered the climax, or high point, of the tragedy?

This scene marks the point of the highest tension (climax) when Oedipus's downfall is conclusively established

Beginning of Part II Response Sheet Bullet Point

The Corinthian Messenger delivers the news that King Polybus of Corinth is dead, so Oedipus was chosen to be the new king of Corinth

4a. Whom or what does the chorus address in the strophe beginning at line 1192?

The chorus addresses Cithaeron, the mountain near Thebes, where Oedipus had been exposed as an infant to die

4b. What hope does the chorus express here?

The chorus hopes that Oedipus will be shown to be the son of one of the gods

3. Oedipus misinterprets the reasons for Jocasta's departure at lines 1183-1184. (a) Use a chart like the one shown to examine elements of irony in his interpretation of her motives.

-Oedipus's Conclusions: Jocasta is proud and may despise him for his lowly birth -Ironic Elements: Jocasta is horrified at her realization of the truth about Oedipus, who was not low-born, but rather her own son and the son of Laius

6. Sophocles reveals the truth of Oedipus' identity slowly, thus postponing the crisis, or climax, of the play. In what ways does this strategy add both to the play's dramatic irony and to its suspense?

Dramatic irony derives from the audience's prior knowledge of the truth. The slow, incremental pace of revelations, however, increases the audience's uncertainty about how and when Oedipus will discover the truth

5. Why is Oedipus' description of himself as a "child of Fortune" (line 1185) dramatically ironic?

Dramatic irony occurs when readers are aware of truths that the characters themselves do not perceive. Oedipus is indeed a "child of Fortune," but not in the way he means. (Luck/Fate)

4. What information about Oedipus' past underlies the dramatic irony in the scene involving Oedipus, Jocasta, and the Messenger from Corinth?

Information linked to dramatic irony includes the death of Polybus, the oracle about Oedipus and his mother, the revelation that Polybus and Merope were not Oedipus's true parents, and the facts about Oedipus's infancy on Mount Cithaeron

1. At line 1042, Jocasta refers to "the holy oracles of the Gods." Given the context, what is verbally ironic about her words?

Jocasta means the opposite. She now believes that the "holy oracles of the Gods" were mistaken, thus illustrating verbal irony

7a. What does Oedipus want Creon to do at the end of the play?

Oedipus wants Creon to send him into exile to Mt. Cithaeron and to take care of his daughters

3a. What is Oedipus' reaction to Jocasta's abrupt exit at line 1177?

Oedipus wrongly infers that Jocasta may be ashamed at the possibility of his lowly birth

2a. What is the literal meaning of Oedipus' name?

Oedipus' name means swollen-foot

8. Oedipus tries desperately to avoid his fate and at the same time learn his identity. How are both goals connected?

Oedipus's identity as Laius and Jocasta's son is his fate, as it was decreed that he would kill his father and marry his mother

3b. What does Oedipus' response to Jocasta's flight suggest about his character?

Oedipus's response suggests he is self-conscious, insecure, and quick to take offense

3c. What might the playwright be saying about the importance of "knowing thyself?"

THE QUEST FOR SELF-KNOWLEDGE IS IRRESISTIBLE!!!

7b. What contrasting motives are attributed to each?

The messenger expects a reward, but the herdsman wants to shield Oedipus from the dreadful truth.

2. The Messenger attempts to cheer Oedipus when he reveals that Polybus and Merope were not the king's true parents. How do the Messenger's efforts result in a wrenching situational irony?

The messenger intends to assure Oedipus that he cannot possibly kill his father; Polybus had already died. Instead, the revelation triggers a catastrophic cascade of discovery.

7a. Compare and contrast the attitudes of the Corinthian Messenger and the Herdsman toward the information they possess

The messenger is eager to tell what he knows, whereas the herdsman is reluctant

2b. What clue to Oedipus' identity does his name contain?

The name alludes to the painful fettering of his ankles when he was left on Mount Cithaeron to die as an infant

6a. What events does the Second Messenger report?

The second messenger reports the suicide (hanging) of Jocasta and the self-blinding of Oedipus (brooch)

7c. At the play's end, do you think Oedipus is ennobled by suffering? Explain.

Yes. Oedipus has assumed responsibility for his destiny and is resigned to his fate (acceptance). (Achieves Catharsis - cleansing or purging)

6b. Does this speech achieve the goal of dramatic tragedy? That is, does it evoke both pity and fear in you? Explain.

Yes. The vivid details and violent action succeed in evoking pity and fear (dramatic tragedy)