Oedipus Rex Part 2 Review

What information does Oedipus seek from the Shepherd?

• The amount of murders

• The identity of his real parents.

• The reason for the plague.

• The way to lift the curse.

Answer explanation

Oedipus is wondering how many people were at the crossroads where Laius was killed. The identity of his parents was only revealed during their conversation by chance.

How does the Shepherd initially respond to Oedipus’s questions?

• With honesty.

• By accusing Oedipus of blasphemy.

• Reluctantly and evasively.

• With anger and defiance.

Answer explanation

The Shepherd responds reluctantly and evasively to Oedipus's questions, indicating his discomfort and unwillingness to reveal the truth about Oedipus's origins.

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Why is the Shepherd afraid to reveal the truth to Oedipus?

• He fears the wrath of the gods.

• He doesn’t want to betray his king.

• He believes it will bring disaster.

• He worries about losing his job.

Answer explanation

The Shepherd fears that revealing the truth will bring disaster, as it could lead to dire consequences for Oedipus and himself. His concern for the potential fallout drives his reluctance to disclose the truth.

Tags

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How does Oedipus pressure the Shepherd to speak?

• He offers him gold.

• He threatens him with torture.

• He promises him freedom.

• He threatens to arrest him.

Answer explanation

Oedipus pressures the Shepherd by threatening to arrest him, which compels the Shepherd to reveal the truth about Oedipus's origins. This tactic shows Oedipus's desperation to uncover his past.

Tags

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What does the Shepherd finally reveal about Oedipus’s origins?

• Oedipus was born a commoner.

• He was the son of a god.

• He was given to the Shepherd by Laius' Shepherd.

• He was a gift from an unnamed city in Greece.

Answer explanation

The Shepherd reveals that Oedipus was given to him by Laius' Shepherd, indicating his true origins as the son of Laius and Jocasta, rather than being a commoner or a gift from another city.

Tags

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Who originally ordered the baby (Oedipus) to be killed?

• The king of another city.

• The Oracle of Delphi.

• His mother, Jocasta.

• A neighboring kingdom.

Answer explanation

Jocasta, Oedipus's mother, was the one who ordered his death to prevent a prophecy that her son would kill his father and marry her. This tragic decision set the course for Oedipus's doomed fate.

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How does Jocasta react as the truth about Oedipus's origins becomes clear?

• She weeps and embraces Oedipus.

• She disappears off stage.

• She celebrates the revelation.

• She curses the gods.

Answer explanation

As the truth about Oedipus's origins becomes clear, Jocasta is overwhelmed and chooses to disappear off stage, indicating her despair and inability to confront the reality of the situation.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

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What does Jocasta do when she realizes the truth about Oedipus's identity?

• She confronts Oedipus.

• She leaves Thebes.

• She hangs herself.

• She prays to Apollo.

Answer explanation

When Jocasta realizes that Oedipus is her son and husband, she is overwhelmed by despair and shame, leading her to hang herself. This tragic act underscores the devastating consequences of the truth in the story.

How does Oedipus respond upon discovering Jocasta’s fate?

• He curses his destiny.

• He is overwhelmed with sorrow.

• He runs from the palace.

• He laughs at the irony.

Answer explanation

Upon discovering Jocasta's fate, Oedipus is overwhelmed with sorrow, realizing the tragic consequences of his actions and the fulfillment of the prophecy, which leads to his deep despair.

What does Oedipus do to himself after discovering Jocasta’s body?

• Tears out his hair.

• Stabs himself.

• Gouges out his eyes.

• Faints.

Answer explanation

After discovering Jocasta's body, Oedipus gouges out his eyes in a fit of despair and self-punishment for his actions, symbolizing his inability to face the truth of his fate.