Oedipus Study Guide
Section I-pg 5-bottom of 18 (to end of Chorus Leader's speech)
Mrs, EfpatfidiS
Provide complete answers to the questions provided and fill in the blanks as you read. Your answers will
act as your reading notes for the content of the play. If you provide quotations, remember to include
page references.
1.
What is the setting when the play opens?
2.
State the reason for the people's great distress.
3.
What do the people want from Oedipus?
Why do they look to him?
4.
What is Oedipus' response to their request and what immediate action has he taken? m
5.
What are the main points of the message Creon brings when he returns from his mission?.
6.
Whose murder must be avenged to bring peace to Thebes?
7.
According to the "gods", where does the murderer reside? __
8.
What clue to the murder can be provided by the only remaining witness?
9. In this scene, Oedipus continues to question Creon. Explain the irony in Oedipus's responses and
questions.
10. Why was the murder of Laius never avenged?
11. Explain the attitude of Oedipus when he hears the above news
12. Identify Oedipus' main motives for personally wanting to avenge Laius' death.