Oedipus Reading Questions
Be sure to reference what page and quote helped you to answer the questions.
Scene 2
page _______1.
What will happen to the killer of Laius if he confesses quickly?
page _______2.
What will happen to him, or anyone shielding him, if he does not come forward
of his own accord?
page _______3.
page _______4.
page _______5.
page _______6.
Give an example of dramatic irony from this scene, explaining why it is
dramatic irony.
Who do the Chorus advise Oedipus to consult and why?
On the arrival of Teiresias, would you describe Oedipus’ tone as either:
flattering, rude, or indifferent? Give a reason for your answer.
Why does Oedipus’ tone toward the prophet change in the course of their
conversation?
page _______7.
Of what does Oedipus accuse Teiresias?
page _______8.
How does Teiresias react to this accusation?
page _______9.
page _______10.
Does Oedipus seem to you to behave in the way any ordinary person would in
his situation? Give reasons for your answer.
Oedipus’ suspicion now spreads. Who does he accuse next and what motive
does he think this person has for trying to say that he (Oedipus) is the
murderer?
2nd Choral Ode
1. Here, as elsewhere, the Chorus are part of the action of the play but they stand back as if they
are commenting about events. Write down two lists of:
a. What the Chorus do as actors in the play.
b. What the Chorus do as observers.