Oedipus Rex Part 2 Review

What information does Oedipus seek from the Shepherd?

• The identity of the murderer.

• The identity of his real parents.

• The reason for the plague.

• The way to lift the curse.

Answer explanation

Oedipus seeks the identity of his real parents from the Shepherd to uncover the truth about his origins and the prophecy that has haunted him, which ultimately leads to the tragic revelations in the story.

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's initial response to Oedipus is reluctant and evasive, as he is hesitant to reveal the truth about Oedipus's past, indicating his discomfort with the questions being asked.

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 believes revealing the truth will bring disaster, as it involves Oedipus's tragic fate. His fear of the consequences outweighs his duty to disclose the information, making this the correct choice.

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 kill him, demonstrating his desperation to uncover the truth about his past. This tactic forces the Shepherd to reveal crucial information.

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 Jocasta, which indicates his royal lineage and the circumstances of his abandonment, clarifying his true origins.

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

Oedipus was ordered to be killed by his father, Laius, due to a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. This tragic decision set the stage for the events of the Oedipus myth.

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.

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, 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, reflecting his deep anguish and regret over the tragic events that have unfolded, rather than cursing his destiny or reacting with laughter.

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.