Oedipus the King Study Questions Answers with Complete Solutions

Oedipus the King Study Questions Answers with Complete Solutions 1. why have the priests come to the altar at thebes? The priests are trying to figure out how to remedy the plague 2. how did oedipus once liberate thebes? Oedipus liberated Thebes by answering the sphinx's riddle 3. why is creon away from thebes when the story opens? he is at the oracle of Apollo trying to get answers for the plague and how Oedipus can save the city 4. according to creon, what does apollo want done? According to creon, apollo wants to purify the land of pollution (the plague and the murderer) 5. how was Laius killed? Laius was murdered by many robbers, allegedly 6. why wasn't the death of the king fully investigated? The Sphinx caused them to forget the crime 7. who are the members of the chorus supposed to be The members of the chorus represent the townspeople. 8. briefly summarize the prayer made by the first chorus. The chorus reminds us of the plague and that it is terrible compared to war. They also call upon Apollo. 9. What "reward" does Oedipus offer for information about the murderer? Oedipus offered money. 10. What punishment does Oedipus threaten for withholding information about the murderer? He says he will banish them if they withhold information. 11. Why has Oedipus sent for Tiresias? He sends for Tiresias because he is a reputable profit. 12. Why didn't Tiresias come immediately when Oedipus sent for him? He doesn't want to be the bearer of bad news. 13. Why does Oedipus first grow angry with Tiresias? Tiresias wont tell Oedipus what he knows. 14. Why does Tiresias grow angry with Oedipus? He calls him a traitor to the city. 15. What accusations does Tiresias make against Oedipus? He accuses Oedipus of killing the king. 16. why does Oedipus grow angry with Creon? He thinks Creon and Tiresias are plotting to get rid of him. 17. what prediction does Tiresias make? Oedipus will realize he is the murderer, lose his eyesight, have no joy, lose all of his money, be exiled, and discover his odd relations with Jocasta and Laius. 18. How do the people feel about the accusations Tiresias and Oedipus are making? They don't know what to believe but are siding with Oedipus.