Oedipus Rex Part II

gratify

please

fettered

shackled; chained

reverence

show great respect

Con-

"with" or "together"

5A. What facts does Oedipus establish by questioning the Herdsman? (B) Why might this scene be considered the climax, or high point, of the tragedy?

(A) 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. (b) *This scene makes the point the highest tension (Climax) when Oedipus's downfall is conclusively established.*

7A. what does Oedipus want Creon to do the end of the play? (B) Why does Oedipus insist that he better off blind and living instead than dead? (C) At the play's end, do you think Oedipus is ennobled by suffering

(A) Oedipus wants Creon to send him to *exile to mt. Cithaeron and to take care of his daughters*(B) Oedipus believes that exile (suffering) is a fate worse then death. (C) Yes. Oedipus has assumed responsibilty for his destiny and is resigned to his fate (accepted). Achieves *Catharsis*- cleansing or purging.)

4A. whom or what does the chorus address in the strophe beginning at lines 1192? (B) what hope does the chorus express here?

(A) The chorus addresses *Cithaeron, the mountain near Thebes,* where Oedipus had been exposed as an infant to die. (B) The chorus hopes that Oedipus will be shown to be the son of one of the gods.

6A. what events does the Second Messenger report? (B) Does this speech achieve the goal of dramatic tragedy? That is, does it evoke both pity and fear in you?

(A) The second messenger reports the *suicide (hanging) of Jocasta and the self-stabbing of Oedipus.* (B) Yes, the vivid details and violent action succeed in evoking pity and fear. *(dramatic tragedy)*

3A. What is Opedius's reaction to Jocasta's abrupt exit at line 1177?(B) Why do you think Oedipus continues his investigation despite Jocasta's strong objections? (C)What might the playwright be saying about the importance of "Knowing thyself?"

A. Oedipus wrongly infers that Jocasta may be ashamed at the possibility of his lowly birth. (B) Oedipus is so caught up in the search for his true identity that he must persist. (C) THE QUEST FOR SELF-KNOWLEDGE IS IRRESISTIBLE!!!!!!!!

2A. what is the literal meaning of Oedipus's name? 2B. What clue to Oedipus's identity does his name contain?

A. Swollen foot. (B) The name alludes that the painful fettering of his ankles when he was left on Mt. Cithaeorn to die as an infant.

beneficent

kind, helpful

infamous

disgraceful

consonant

in harmony or agreement