- 1. Oedipus the King, also known as Oedipus Rex, is a tragic play by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles that explores themes of fate, free will, and the nature of truth. The story follows Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who is renowned for his intelligence and problem-solving skills. As a plague ravages Thebes, Oedipus learns from the oracle at Delphi that the only way to save the city is to find and punish the murderer of the former king, Laius. Unbeknownst to him, Oedipus himself is the culprit, having unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy that foretold he would kill his father and marry his mother, Jocasta. Throughout the play, Oedipus's determination to uncover the truth leads to his tragic downfall as he discovers the horrifying realities of his past, including the incestuous relationship with Jocasta and the murder of Laius, his biological father. The play masterfully depicts the tension between human will and the inescapable nature of fate, raising profound questions about identity, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. Sophocles' use of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of Oedipus's true lineage while he remains oblivious, deepens the impact of his tragic realization, leaving a lasting impression on the audience about the complexities of human existence and the pursuit of knowledge, even when it leads to devastating consequences.
Who is the author of 'Oedipus the King'?
A) Aristophanes
B) Homer
C) Euripides
D) Sophocles
- 2. Who is Oedipus's wife?
A) Jocasta
B) Antigone
C) Creon
D) Ismene
- 3. What is Oedipus's tragic flaw?
A) Pride
B) Greed
C) Laziness
D) Naivety
- 4. What plague afflicts Thebes at the beginning of the play?
A) Famine
B) A pestilence
C) Flood
D) Earthquake
- 5. Who informs Oedipus of the plague affecting Thebes?
A) Jocasta
B) Tiresias
C) Creon
D) The priest
- 6. How is the theme of blindness depicted in the play?
A) Both literal and metaphorical blindness
B) Absence of sight
C) Only physical blindness
D) Only emotional blindness
- 7. What key prophecy is revealed to Oedipus?
A) He will save Thebes from destruction
B) He will die in battle
C) He will be the greatest king
D) He will kill his father and marry his mother
- 8. What role does fate play in the story?
A) It brings happiness
B) It is irrelevant
C) It drives the characters' actions
D) It is easily changed
- 9. Where did Oedipus grow up?
A) Corinth
B) Sparta
C) Thebes
D) Athens
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