Explain the Irony
(Scene 1, p. 14), Oedipus refers to himself as a figurative ‘son’ of Laius because he will fight to bring the king’s killer to justice. We know the connection is more literal than Oedipus thinks.
How does this passage contain Dramatic Irony?
his one was pretty easy! Oedipus is saying something that the audience has more context of. Oedipus saying he is "like" Laius' son is extremely ironic given he actually is his biological son.
What are the people of Thebes suffering from?
Where did Oedipus meet and ultimately kill Laius?
What is... at the Three Crossroads?
Who is King Laius?
(Scene 1, p. 24) Teiresias states that “this day will give you a father” but does not actually mean that Oedipus will receive a father. Rather, that he will learn of his father’s identity.
How does this passage contain Verbal Irony?
The blind soothsayer means something else than what he is saying. Oedipus, unsurprisingly, is rather confused by what Teiresias is saying.
Who interrupts Creon and Oedipus' "quarrel" in Scene 2?
Who is Jocasta?
Who is the mother-wife of Oedipus and Queen of Thebes?
Who is Jocasta?
(Scene 2, p. 38-39) Oedipus is worried about Teiresias’ accusation that he killed Laius. Jocasta tells Oedipus the story of her slain child to prove that prophecies and soothsayers are false. Instead of making Oedipus feel better, the story triggers ‘shadowy memories’ within him that we know are from his infancy.
How does this passage contain Dramatic Irony?
We know Oedipus' "memories" are due to him being the child and the murderer of Laius mentioned in Jocasta's story.
What is known about the murder of Laius according to Creon and Jocasta?
What is Laius was killed by marauders?
How did Polybus die?
What is... of old age?
Who is the Queen of Corinth whose bed Oedipus is extremely fearful of in Scene 3?
Who is Merope?
(Scene 3, p. 51) Oedipus tells Jocasta he refuses to return to Corinth because he is “afraid of his mother’s bed” and then goes into the palace at the end of the scene with Jocasta where they, we can horrifyingly assume, shared a bed together.
How does this passage contain Situational Irony?
The audience expects Oedipus to realize the true bed he should be fearful of as the scene progresses, but he and Jocasta leave the scene to comfort each other... I know, gross right?
What is Oedipus is the killer of Laius/cause of the plague?
What does Oedipus' name translate to and why?
What is... swollen foot/because as a baby his feet were pierced and tied together?
Who brings news from Corinth that Oedipus' adoptive father has died?
Who is the Messenger?
(Scene 1, p. 20) Oedipus states that Teiresias needs to repeat his accusation that Oedipus killed Laius because he “did not understand it.” Teiresias repeats what he had said and Oedipus responds that this is the second time Teiresias has spoken out “infamy.” This reveals Oedipus did understand Teiresias the first time.
How does this passage contain Verbal Irony?
Obviously Oedipus understood the first time and did not mean what he said about not understanding what had been stated prior.
At the start of Scene 2, why is Creon upset?
What did Oedipus use to stab out his eyes and where did he find them in the Exodos?
What is... Golden Brooches on Jocasta's dress?
Who is the former servant of the king and queen of Thebes who took baby Oedipus to the mountain of Kithairon?
Who is the Shepherd?
(Scene 3, p. 53) Oedipus thanks the Messenger for bringing news that his fated destiny to kill his father can no longer happen now that Polybus is dead... only to be told by the Messenger that Polybus was not his father.
How does this passage contain Situational Irony?
Oedipus seems momentarily spared from realizing his fate when his identity is revealed from the same messenger who gives him the happy new of Polybus' death.
What does the Shepherd beg of Jocasta after returning to Thebes?
To be sent to pasture as far from Thebes as possible?
What does Oedipus ask Creon in regard to his daughters, Antigone and Ismene?
What is... to take care of them because they will never be married?
Who brings news that the Queen has committed suicide and Oedipus has stabbed his eyes out repeatedly?
Clue: His name contains a number!
Who is the Second Messenger?