The Phoenician Women

The Phoenician Women Questions and Answers

What does Monoeceus resolve to do in The Phoenician Women? What happens to the Argive soldier Capaneus as he is scaling the city wall? In spite of Messenger’s initial good news about her sons, what does Jocasta learn from the Messenger concerning what they are about to do? What does Jocasta decide to do in response to this news? When Creon returns to the stage, what is he carrying? According to the Messenger, what were the circumstances of Jocasta’s death?

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What is the third stasimon of The Phoenician Women by Euripides?

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Where do you see honor-shame playing a role in the actions of characters in The Phoenician Women? How does this influence the plot of the story? Where do you see the sense of collectivism and the notion of extended family playing a role in the actions of characters? How does this influence the plot of the story? Where do you see the notion of pollution playing a role in the actions of characters? How does this influence the plot of the story? Where do you see the interaction of two or more cultural codes above to shape the story?

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According to Jocasta in The Phoenician Women, what have Eteocles and Polynices done with Oedipus? Why? Why did the brothers initially decide to share power in annual succession? What is Jocasta’s attitude toward Polynices's marriage? What does Polynices say were the circumstances of his marriage? Why does Eteocles say he is unwilling to yield to his brother’s wishes? What do the brothers ultimately pledge each other? What has Creon arrived to tell Eteocles? What strategy does Creon encourage Eteocles to adopt? What does Tiresias say will save Thebes?

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