SCENE 2 Qs. on Oedipus Rex

Questions on Scene 2/Ode of Oedipus Rex

1. How do you react to Oedipus’ outburst ? How has Oedipus moved from conjecture to certainty ? Is he justified ?
2. What is the irony of Oedipus’ use of hunting images to describe Creon’s supposed ambition ?
3. What does the exchange between Oedipus and Creon remind you of ?
4. What does Creon mean when he says that he doesn’t want to be king ?
5. What is Oedipus really saying to the Chorus in lines 137-138 ?
6. Is there a metaphor in lines 169-170 ? If so, what is it ?
7. What is Jocasta’s view of prophets ? Is it similar to Oedipus’ view ?
8. How does Oedipus interpret Jocasta’s speech ?
9. Discuss Oedipus’ reaction to Apollo’s prophecy when he heard it (p. 1242).
10. What do you feel about Oedipus’ attempt to take action rather than submit passively to his fate ?
11. React to the gods’ malevolence.
12. Why does Oedipus seem less certain that he’s the murderer ?
13. Analyze Jocasta’s speech.
14. Who is the « I/me » in Strophe 1 ?
15. Summarize the Antistrophe.
16. Why might it be less frightening to believe that there is some divine plan or unuversal order, even if it is terrible, rather than thinking good and bad fortune are purely random ?
17. Of what does the Chorus try to convince Oedipus about knowledge ?
18. What role does the Chorus play in heightening the dramatic tension of this play ?