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HUM 2220 – Greek/Roman Humanities Discussion Questions for “Oedipus the King” Worth 64 points total Directions: After reading (or viewing) the play “Oedipus the King”, respond to each of the following questions in paragraph form. Paragraph form means at least four (4) sentences--a topic sentence and three sentences of support. (Several questions will require more content.) Be sure you check your sentence structure, spelling, grammar and punctuation before submitting your work. Each question is worth 8 points. 1. The set of opposites that dominates in this play is free will vs. fate/destiny. How does the play illustrate these opposites? Was it free will that led to the tragic circumstances of Oedipus' life, or was it fate/destiny? Explain. 2. What is the dramatic function, or purpose, of the plague that afflicts Thebes in the opening of the play? (Think of how the play would have been different if there had been no plague.) 3. Oedipus’ character has weak points as well as strong points. Discuss how Oedipus’ scenes with each of the following characters reveal these strengths and weaknesses. (Respond in at least two sentences per character.) NOTE: This question is asking you about Oedipus’ behavior with each of the characters listed, not the characters’ behavior with him! a) his scene with Teiresias b) his scenes with Creon c) his scene with the Messenger from Corinth (who tells him that Polybus is dead) d) his scenes with Jocasta 4. When does Jocasta recognize that Oedipus is in fact her son and her first husband’s killer? How does she react? What does she demand Oedipus do at that point? What does she end up doing?

HUM 2220 – Greek/Roman Humanities
Discussion Questions for “Oedipus the King”
Worth 64 points total

Directions: After reading (or viewing) the play “Oedipus the King”, respond to each of the following questions in paragraph form. Paragraph form means at least four (4) sentences--a topic sentence and three sentences of support. (Several questions will require more content.) Be sure you check your sentence structure, spelling, grammar and punctuation before submitting your work. Each question is worth 8 points.

1. The set of opposites that dominates in this play is free will vs. fate/destiny. How does the play illustrate these opposites? Was it free will that led to the tragic circumstances of Oedipus' life, or was it fate/destiny? Explain.

2. What is the dramatic function, or purpose, of the plague that afflicts Thebes in the opening of the play? (Think of how the play would have been different if there had been no plague.)

3. Oedipus’ character has weak points as well as strong points. Discuss how Oedipus’ scenes with each of the following characters reveal these strengths and weaknesses. (Respond in at least two sentences per character.) NOTE: This question is asking you about Oedipus’ behavior with each of the characters listed, not the characters’ behavior with him!

a) his scene with Teiresias
b) his scenes with Creon
c) his scene with the Messenger from Corinth (who tells him that Polybus is dead)
d) his scenes with Jocasta

4. When does Jocasta recognize that Oedipus is in fact her son and her first husband’s killer? How does she react? What does she demand Oedipus do at that point? What does she end up doing?

HUM 2220 – Greek/Roman Humanities
Discussion Questions for “Oedipus the King”
Worth 64 points total

Directions: After reading (or viewing) the play “Oedipus the King”, respond to each of the following questions in paragraph form. Paragraph form means at least four (4) sentences–a topic sentence and three sentences of support. (Several questions will require more content.) Be sure you check your sentence structure, spelling, grammar and punctuation before submitting your work. Each question is worth 8 points.

1. The set of opposites that dominates in this play is free will vs. fate/destiny. How does the play illustrate these opposites? Was it free will that led to the tragic circumstances of Oedipus' life, or was it fate/destiny? Explain.

2. What is the dramatic function, or purpose, of the plague that afflicts Thebes in the opening of the play? (Think of how the play would have been different if there had been no plague.)

3. Oedipus’ character has weak points as well as strong points. Discuss how Oedipus’ scenes with each of the following characters reveal these strengths and weaknesses. (Respond in at least two sentences per character.) NOTE: This question is asking you about Oedipus’ behavior with each of the characters listed, not the characters’ behavior with him!

a) his scene with Teiresias
b) his scenes with Creon
c) his scene with the Messenger from Corinth (who tells him that Polybus is dead)
d) his scenes with Jocasta

4. When does Jocasta recognize that Oedipus is in fact her son and her first husband’s killer? How does she react? What does she demand Oedipus do at that point? What does she end up doing?

Added by Gregory B.

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