Oedipus the King
Vocabulary and Back Story
100

Who wrote Oedipus the King?

Sophocles wrote Oedipus the King. 

100

Who did Oedipus get into a road rage incident with and kill (we need the character's name)?

Oedipus got into a road rage incident with Laius and killed him.

200

Why did Oedipus's biological parents give him up?

They heard the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. They loved him but were afraid he might fulfill the prophecy so thought it better to give him away.

200

Give an example of a prophecy other than the one in the story.

An example of a prophecy for example might be you will meet a handsome stranger on a trip. Prophecies are usually vague.

300

What does Oedipus name mean?

Oedipus's name means "swollen foot". He has a slight deformity on his feet which developed after his parents sent him away.

300

Who predicts Oedipus' terrible story?

The Oracle at Delphi predicts Oedipus' terrible story.

400

What was the Sphinx doing in Thebes?

The Sphinx was asking everyone a riddle and killing them if they didn't answer it completely.

500

How long did Oedipus, Jocasta, and Creon rule together before the opening of the play?

They ruled for 20 happy years.