Oedipus Questions

1. Who wrote the play?

Sophocles

2. Briefly define the Oedipal Complex.

A term used by Freud in his theory of psycho sexual stages of development to describe a boy's desire for his mother and his anger towards his father.

3. What is the setting of the story, specifically, the where?

During the day in front of the royal palace of Thebes

4. As the play opens, what horrible thing is going on?

Thebes is being plagued by The Spinx until they find out who murdered their King Laius

5. Whose death must be avenged in order for the horrible thing from number 4 to end?

King Laius

6. Who is Oedipus’ wife?

Jocasta, Creon's sister

7. Who is Oedipus’ mother?

Jocasta, although unknown until the end

8. Who is Oedipus’ father?

The former King Laius, unknown until the end of the play

9. Who killed the King of Thebes (the answer for #5)?

Oedipus, only he didn't know at the time who he was

10. What is Oedipus’ tragic flaw?

His pride

11. As you read through Oedipus, you'll note that sight/vision/seeing (including "second sight") is very important to the overall story--in the literal as well as the metaphorical/symbolical aspect.  You don't have to do this in complete sentences if you don't want---
12. Describe/discuss/explain/list how sight/vision/seeing/"second sight" is/are used in the play to advance the plot--to advance the story as a whole.  Include an explanation of why it's important as well as how it helps you (the real audience) understand (get) what others on the stage and in the play don't understand.

Answer to both 11 &12: Oedipus was so "blinded" by what his fate truly was to be. Although he could see physically, when he learned of his fate he wanted to be blind so he would not harm anyone else and be reminded of what he had caused. As the audience, I started to see what was to be but then the play kept me on the edge of my seat just waiting for the axe to drop.

13. As a play, there's a lot that can and can not be done on the stage.  Explain why you think some things within this play in particular are done on stage while others are done off stage.

Personally, if I had been watching the play live, I would not want to see Jocasta kill herself or when Oedipus killed his father and crew and then ended with taking pens and poking out his own eyes. Some things are just made for private and plus so of the things that happened within the play would be hard to reenact.

14. Do you believe in fate?  Explain fully your answer.

Actually I do believe in fate, kinda! I believe that what is meant to happen will happen. I have been a witness to something being said and it coming to pass. Now when we are talking fate with love I just don't know that you can honestly say that there is only ONE person out there that is your true soul mate and the one you are suppose to spend your life with. If that is the case I think a lot of us would be single, especially if we didn't travel, lol!

15. Explain how fate plays a role in Oedipus.

Poor, poor Oedipus! My heart went out to him. He had no idea when he was born that his life would take a crazy twist of fate. How doomed are you from the start to know that you would one day kill your father and marry your mother and have children from the same womb that you came from. I definitely think if he had known his true mother and father he would of stayed away as he "thought" he had and never let it happen. Or at least tried to prevent it. If its fate than can we really change the path???

16. Have you ever thought how ironic this play is? It's weird how the events come together and make everything happen the way it does. If things were to happen just a little bit different the story would be completely changed.

I believe this play is very ironic. I compare it to today when you are 300 miles away from home and you run into somebody you know or you find out that your best friend is actually related by generations on down the line. We live in a world of strange coincidences. Everybody knows everybody and are related some how!!! The story may have changed had Oedipus know who his true parents were.

Extra: Name either one of the other two plays in the Oedipus Trilogy—punctuation count.

Oedipus at Colonus