Oedipus Questions and Answers
Oedipus
What is the significance of the Herdsman's multiple roles in Oedipus Rex?
What appears to be a remarkable coincidence that one character fulfills all of these functions in Sophocles's Oedipus Rex is simply a matter of masterful playwriting. Sophocles reduces and combines...
Oedipus
In Oedipus, what are Jocasta's views on oracles and prophecy, and how do they differ from those of the chorus?
In Oedipus, Jocasta states that she does not believe in oracles or prophecies. This is because she wrongly thinks she has beaten the prophecy that said her son would kill his father and marry his...
Oedipus
What was Oedipus's tragic flaw?
Oedipus's tragic flaw is often considered to be his pride, or hubris. Despite the Oracle's prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, Oedipus attempts to defy fate, demonstrating...
Oedipus
How does Oedipus react when Tiresias refuses to speak in Episode 1 and Stasimon 1?
Oedipus reacts with impatience, anger, and threats towards Teiresias when Teiresias refuses to tell Oedipus what he knows about King Laius's murder. Oedipus reacts in the same way with Creon and with...
Oedipus
What are the functions of the Chorus and the Choragos in Oedipus Rex?
In "Oedipus Rex," the Chorus of Theban Elders serves multiple functions: they comment on the action, interpret situations, and reinforce emotions. They separate scenes with choral odes and dances,...
Oedipus
What does the name "Oedipus Rex" mean?
The name "Oedipus Rex" translates to "Oedipus the King." "Oedipus" means "swollen feet," a name derived from the myth that his feet were bound as an infant. "Rex" is Latin for "king," reflecting his...
Oedipus
In Oedipus Episode 2 and Stasimon 2, what accusations does Oedipus make against Creon and how does Creon defend himself?
Oedipus accuses Creon of plotting with Teiresias, the blind seer-prophet, to usurp Oedipus's crown. Creon denies the accusation and convincingly defends himself by claiming that he has no interest...
Oedipus
What is Tiresias's role in Oedipus?
Tiresias, the blind prophet, plays a crucial role in Oedipus by revealing the truth about Oedipus's role in causing the plague in Thebes. Initially, Oedipus rejects Tiresias's prophecy, accusing him...
Oedipus
What is the conflict in Oedipus?
The central conflict in "Oedipus" is Oedipus's journey of self-discovery, as he seeks to uncover the truth about his identity. The play begins with a plague in Thebes, and Oedipus must find and...