NAME______________________________________________ BAND__________
OEDIPUS UNDERSTANDING THE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
DIRECTIONS: After completing the reading, use the space under each statement to write textual evidence with
line numbers that supports your selected text.
1. At the beginning of the play, a plague is causing the crops to wilt, the animals to die, and the women
unable to bear children.
............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
1. Oedipus is a kind and caring king that is doing everything he can to help save his kingdom and his
people.
2. Creon reveals that the cause of the plague is due to the fact that the murderer of the former king, Laius, is
living and amongst the people of Thebes.
3. Tirresias, the blind prophet, says that the murdere of the former king, Laius, is Oedipus and he is
responsible for the plague that is currently destroying Thebes.
4. Oedipus believes that Creon and Tiresias are working together to destroy Oedipus and steal his power as
the King of Thebes.
5. Creon admits that he would never want to be in Oedipus’ position as the King of Thebes because his role
as brother of the Queen Jocasta is all the power and protection of being royal without being in charge.
6. Jocasta tells Oedipus to pay no attention to the prophets because they told her that her son would kill her
husband, Laius and they prevented that from ever happening.
_____7. Jocasta and King Laius imprisoned their son in a cave so that he could not kill them.
_____8. In his youth Oedipus was told by a drunken man that he was adopted.
_____9. Oedipus went to Pythos to find out about his parents but was instead told that he would sleep with
his mom and kill his dad.
______10. Oedipus fled his hometown and robbed a man on the road for money.
______11. The only eye witness to King Laius’ murder said that there was only one killer.
Part Two
_____12. Oedipus finds out that his father and mother are dead.
_____13. As a baby Oedipus was found in a basket beside a river.
_____ 14. Jocasta hangs herself at the end of the play because she realizes she has slept with her son.
_____15. Oedipus will stab his eyes out with his wife’s dress pins.
Inferential: Reading between the lines, not directly stated
_____ 16. Oedipus does not believe in the truth of prophecies; he thinks they are hoaxes.
_____ 17. Oedipus is not dedicated to finding the murderer.
_____18. Oedipus’ words and mockery bring about his fate.
_____ 19. Oedipus’ tragic flaw is his jealousy.
______20. It is possible to avoid one’s fate.
Application/Opinion: Information that can be applied in other situations/topics
_____ 21. Individuals should always be held accountable for their actions even if they are unaware that their
actions are wrong.
______22. Individuals that are adopted should always be told the identities of their biological parents.
______23. Capitol punishment is the best way to punish criminals.
