SOPHOCLES, OEDIPUS THE KING, PT. 2
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. Write a one page summary of the plot of this play.
2. Why did the lone survivor of King Laius’ ambush ask to be sent out of Thebes?
3. Who does Oedipus think his parents are?
4. Who confirmed the original prophecy concerning Oedipus killing his father?
5. What does the witness of Laius’ murder report that Oedipus latches on to in hopes
of proving that he was not the murderer?
6. After this rebuke from the chorus, Jocasta seems to have a quick conversion- what does
she all of a sudden have an interest in doing?
7. What news does the messenger bring that temporarily boosts the hopes of Oedipus and
Jocasta?
8. Jocasta’s philosophy of life is best described in her speech in lines 1069-1078.
Summarize it.
9. What is the irony in lines 1083?
10. Why are Oedipus and Jocasta’s hopes of escaping the oracles quickly dashed?
11. As soon as Jocasta comes to understand what Oedipus has done what is her response?
(see lines 1157-1160)
12. Even as the truth about his origin continues to be unveiled what hope does he cling to
that might give an alternate explanation for his birth?
13. When Oedipus interviews the Shepherd, how does Oedipus continue to play the role of
the philosopher in pursuit of truth?
14. Upon seeing the doom of Oedipus what conclusions does the chorus draw from his fate?