3.9.F - Lesson: Reading Check Lines 1-611: English

In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus gets angry and continues to press Teiresias for information. Finally, Teiresias gives in and makes the bold statement, "For the accursed polluter of this land is you" (line 421). How does Oedipus react to this statement?

Oedipus gets angry and pretends he does not understand what Teiresias said.

What has Oedipus already done to help Thebes?

Sent his brother-in-law to an oracle

Remember, dramatic irony occurs when the audience understands the significance of a situation but the characters do not. In Oedipus Rex, which of the following is another example of dramatic irony?

"As for those who do not follow what I urge, / I pray the gods send them no fertile land."

Which of the following is another example of dramatic irony?

"As for those who do not follow what I urge, / I pray the gods send them no fertile land."

Which quote from the text best shows what will satisfy the gods?

"By banishment— / or atone for murder by shedding blood again"

In Oedipus Rex, which statement by Teiresias best shows that Oedipus has, in fact, fulfilled the original prophecy?

"I say that with your dearest family, / unknown to you, you are living in disgrace."

In Oedipus Rex, which of the following quotes from the Priest best shows the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks?

"Oedipus, ruler of my native land, you see how people here of every age are crouching down around your altars, some fledglings barely strong enough to fly and others bent by age, with priests as well..."

Which god does the chorus blame for their problems?

Ares

How does Tiresias mock Oedipus?

He claims he does not know his father. Correctly checked He predicts he will be blind to the truth. He indicates Oedipus should be able to figure out the answer since he was so smart with the Sphinx.

Although the chorus has heard unsettling words about Oedipus, what gives them comfort that he is a trustworthy man?

He defeated the sphinx

In Oedipus Rex, what does Oedipus mean when he makes this statement? "This polluting stainI will remove, not for some distant friends,but for myself. For whoever killed this manmay soon enough desire to turn his handto punish me in the same way, as well.Thus, in avenging Laius, I serve myself." (Lines 165-170)

He is afraid the person who murdered Laius will try to kill him as well.

Which word best described Tiresias's tone when he first meets Oedipus?

Hesitant

What does the Priest reveal is the problem in Oedipus's kingdom?

There is a plague destroying their crops, live stock, and people.

In Oedipus Rex, what does the Priest reveal is the problem in Oedipus's kingdom?

There is a plague destroying their crops, livestock, and people.

Why have the citizens of Thebes not already hunted down Laius's killer?

They were attacked by the Sphinx.

Which two people does Oedipus accuse of conspiring against him and killing Laius?

Tiresias and Creon

Which word best describes how Oedipus treats Teresias in this passage?

at first with respect, then with disrespect

What good news does Creon bring with him?

there is a remedy to the plague