Questions to Guide Reading

Part 2: Creon’s Defense to Shepherd’s Reveal

1. Oedipus accused Creon of conspiring with whom?

2. What was Creon’s demeanor when talking to the leader and to Oedipus?

3. How was Oedipus related to Creon?

4. Creon presents a convincing argument as to why he does not want the

crown. Summarize the main points in his monologue.

5. What proof does Creon suggest Oedipus seek?

6. What punishment does Oedipus wish for Creon?

7. Does Jocasta believe in Creon’s innocence?

8. Creon says, “Look at you, sullen in yielding, brutal in your rage--you will
go too far.” Oedipus’ rage and determination will become his fatal flaw.
What is the Greek term for this?

9. Jocasta provides evidence that oracles are untrustworthy. Summarize

the story she tells which is meant to comfort Oedipus.
10. What was the location of Laius’ murder?

11. What did the lone survivor of Laius’ attack ask when he returned to
Thebes and saw Oedipus as king?

12. Who were Oedipus’ parents and where did they live?

13. What did the drunkard reveal to Oedipus at the party? How did
Oedipus react?

14. Summarize what Oedipus learned from the oracle: “You are fated to
couple with your mother, you will bring a breed of children into the light
no man can bear to see--you will kill your father, the one who gave you
life!”

15. What drove Oedipus to kill the chariot driver where the three roads
meet?

16. What question does Oedipus plan to ask the shepherd?

17. “Apollo was explicit: my son was doomed to kill my husband...my son,
poor defenseless thing, he never had a chance to kill his father. They
destroyed him first.” Jocasta’s lines tell us that she is confident that what?

18. What sad (but also good) news did the Messenger report?

19. Jocasta believes that it’s not fate that rules our lives, but __________.

20. The messenger proceeded to reveal some shocking news about Oedipus’
parents. What did he reveal?
 21. What mark is on Oedipus’ ankles?

22. Jocasta begs Oedipus to what?

23. Who, next, does Oedipus summon for questioning?

24. When that person arrives, does he admit his information willingly?

25. What did the shepherd reveal?

Post-Reading Discussion

Who likely is Laius’ killer?

How did Jocasta and Laius attempt to avoid their fates? How did Oedipus
attempt to avoid his fate? Is it ironic that Jocasta doesn’t believe in fate?
What should Oedipus do next? Should he stop his search or continue? Why?