1. In Oedipus the King, Part II, what news does the messenger bring from Corinth? Choose two options.

Question

a.
Polybus has died of natural causes.
b.
The oracle has identified the murderer.
c.
Polybus was not Oedipus’ natural father.
d.
Laius has turned up alive and well in Corinth.
e.
Merope has sent for Oedipus to return to Corinth.
      2. In Oedipus the King, Part II, why does Jocasta urge Oedipus not to interview the shepherd?
a.
She realizes that the baby she gave up to the shepherd is Oedipus.
b.
She is afraid the shepherd may turn out to be Oedipus’ father.
c.
She knows that the shepherd is a prophet in disguise.
d.
She thinks Creon has paid the shepherd to lie.
     3. In Oedipus the King, Part II, what makes Oedipus sure that he has fulfilled the prophecy?
a.
the shepherd’s claim that he was given a child by Jocasta and that Jocasta was the mother of the child
b.
the messenger’s claim that Oedipus’ feet were pinned together when he was a baby
c.
the shepherd’s inability to remember and recognize the messenger
d.
Jocasta’s decision to pay her respects at the shrines of the gods
      4. Why does Creon come to find Oedipus after Oedipus shows himself, newly blinded, to the chorus of Thebans?
a.
to ask Oedipus to return to the palace
b.
to send Oedipus forth from Thebes
c.
to condemn Oedipus to death
d.
to escort Oedipus to prison

Answer 1

Here are the answers to your questions regarding Oedipus the King, Part II:

1. The messenger brings the following news from Corinth:

   • a. Polybus has died of natural causes.
   • c. Polybus was not Oedipus’ natural father.

2. Jocasta urges Oedipus not to interview the shepherd because:

   • a. She realizes that the baby she gave up to the shepherd is Oedipus.

3. Oedipus becomes sure that he has fulfilled the prophecy due to:

   • a. the shepherd’s claim that he was given a child by Jocasta and that Jocasta was the mother of the child.

4. Creon comes to find Oedipus after he shows himself blinded to the chorus of Thebans in order to:

   • b. to send Oedipus forth from Thebes.

Let me know if you have any more questions!