What is the relationship in this play between fate and free will?
The people of Thebes turns to Oedipus to save them again by ridding them of a terrible
plague. Sophocles may have written this play shortly after a great plague which struck
Athens; Thucydides. History presents a powerful depiction of this plague. Compare
the two and how they function in each text.
The people of Thebes call upon the Healer Apollo. What does Apollo have to do with
healing? Why should Oedipus consult this god's oracle?
Consider: does Oedipus strike you as arrogant?
After Creon enters and tells the words of Apollo, note the discrepancy between the
number of outlaws in the account of each character. Why do you think Oedipus says
"thief" while Creon says "thieves"? This will happen again later.
The Chorus calls on a series of gods for help. Why invoke these gods in particular?
Find at least three instances of dramatic irony. Why does Tiresias refuse to help
Oedipus?
Why can't Oedipus understand the information Tiresias gives him?
Read carefully Jocasta's account of her loss and then Oedipus' reaction to it. Does
anything in his reaction strike you as strange? Consider this especially in light
of the almost identical story he tells later in the same scene. Why doesn't Oedipus
make a connection?
Why is the connection between Oedipus' name and his ankles so important?
At what point do you think that Jocasta begins to suspect the truth?
When the Shepherd arrives, why won't he talk willingly?
When Jocasta runs off stage, Oedipus thinks she is afraid he will be proven a peasant.
Why does this idea make him so happy? And how does Jocasta seem to you now?
Aristotle believed this was the finest tragedy because the protagonist's recognition
of the truth coincides with the reversal of his fortunes. Where, exactly, does this
occur in the play?
What was Oedipus trying to do when he finds his wife/mother dead?
Is blinding an appropriate punishment? Why doesn't he commit suicide?
How would you describe Oedipus' state of mind and attitude? Does anything surprise
you about the way he views his disaster?
Think about the Chorus' near panic about him, its complete inability to respond coherently
to his presence.
Is Creon fair to Oedipus? Consider especially his admonition.
Why are Oedipus' daughters in particular so special to him?
