Tragic Hero
What is Oedipus's hamartia?
Hubris
"Time, which sees all things, has found you out." - Chorus (Line 870)
Personification
How is Creon's character portrayed in "Oedipus Rex"?
a. As an unloyal and undevoted brother-in-law to Oedipus
b. As a treacherous and scheming politician who seeks to overthrow Oedipus
c. As a weak and indecisive figure who is easily swayed by others
d. As a wise and prudent advisor who attempts to guide Oedipus towards the truth
d. As a wise and prudent advisor who attempts to guide Oedipus towards the truth
Which of the following conflicts drives the plot of the play?
A. The prophecy that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother.
B. The murder of King Laius.
C. The Sphinx's riddle.
D. Oedipus's proclamation that he will find and punish the murderer of King Laius.
B. The murder of King Laius
What is the significance of Oedipus' blindness at the end of the play?
a. It represents his physical and emotional isolation
b. It symbolizes his newfound wisdom and self-awareness
c. It reflects the cruel fate that has befallen him
d. It shows his utter despair and hopelessness
b. It symbolizes his newfound wisdom and self-awareness
What is Oedipus's downfall?
The loss of Jocasta and his blindness
I’ll tell you: the man I murdered—he’d have murdered me! I am innocent! Pure in the eyes of the law, blind, unknowing, I, I came to this!
personification
Which of the following best describes Oedipus's hamartia?
a. His pride and arrogance
b. His ignorance and blindness
c. His lack of self-awareness
d. His inability to make rational decisions
a. his pride and arrogance
Prior to the beginning of the play, how does Oedipus initially respond to the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother?
A. He laughs it off as a silly superstition.
B. He becomes terrified and tries to run away.
C. He sets out on a journey to find his real parents.
D. He vows to do everything in his power to avoid fulfilling the prophecy.
B. He becomes terrified and tries to run away.
How does the play explore the theme of self-knowledge?
a. Through Oedipus's journey of self-discovery
b. Through Jocasta's attempts to shield Oedipus from the truth
c. Through Tiresias' prophetic visions
d. Through Creon's political machinations
A. through Oedipus's journey of self-discovery
What does the audience experience at the end of the play due to the tragic hero's downfall?
Catharsis
Dark, horror of darkness, my darkness, drowning, swirling around me crashing wave on wave—unspeakable, irresistible headwind, fatal harbor! Oh again, the misery, all at once, over and over the stabbing dagger, stab of memory raking me insane.
Personification / Imagery
Which of the following best describes the character of Tiresias?
a. A wise and respected prophet who possesses the gift of foresight
b. A corrupt and deceitful Theban who seeks to manipulate Oedipus
c. A loyal and trustworthy servant of the royal family
d. A cowardly and indecisive figure who is afraid to speak the truth
A. A wise and respected prophet who posses the gift of foresight
What is the climax of "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles?
A. Oedipus discovers that Jocasta is his mother and blinds himself.
B. Oedipus kills his real father and marries his mother.
C. Oedipus solves the riddle of the Sphinx and becomes the king of Thebes.
D. Oedipus banishes Creon from Thebes.
A. Oedipus discovers that Jocasta is his mother and blinds himself.
How does the play explore the theme of free will vs. fate?
a. Through Oedipus' attempts to escape his destiny
b. Through Jocasta's negative worldview
c. Through Creon's political ambitions
d. Through the chorus' commentary on human nature
A. Through Oedipus's attempts to escape his identity
What is another word for "excessive pride"?
Hubris
"So, you mock my blindness? Let me tell you this. You with your precious eyes, you're blind to the corruption of your life." - Oedipus (Lines 478-480)
metaphor / dramatic irony
What is the role of the chorus in "Oedipus Rex"?
a. To provide comic relief
b. To give commentary on the action
c. To serve as a messenger
d. To represent the gods
B. to give commentary on the action
A. Oedipus is forgiven by the gods and welcomed back to Thebes.
B. Oedipus is executed for his crimes.
C. Oedipus goes into exile.
D. Jocasta is crowned queen of Thebes after Oedipus's exile.
C. Oedipus goes into exile.
Which of the following best describes the structure of "Oedipus Rex"?
a. It follows a linear chronological order
b. It is divided into discrete acts or scenes
c. It uses flashbacks and flashforwards
A. It follows a linear chronological order
Name the four requirements to be considered a tragic hero according to Aristotle.
Born a noble birth
Possess a tragic flaw (hamartia)
Experience a downfall
Catharsis
Jocasta describing Laius..
"he was tall, gray haired, his stature was just like yours Oedipus"
Simile, dramatic irony, OR characterization
How does Oedipus's character develop at the end of the play?
He is humbled and remorseful
B) He is angry and defensive
How does the character of Tiresias contribute to the play's themes?
a. He challenges Oedipus' assumptions about knowledge and truth
b. He represents the voice of the people
c. He serves as a moral example for the other characters
d. He embodies the idea of free will vs. fate