Close Reading Questions

Re-read the portion of Oedipus Rex began in class yesterday. Then respond to the following questions: 1. What is the occasion as the play begins? 2. Why are mourners thronged around the palace of Thebes? 3. Summarize what the priest tells Oedipus. 4. Why are the citizens of Thebes there? 5.Name three results or outcomes of the current plague that Thebes is facing. 4. What line, in your opinion demonstrates King Oedipus devotion to his citizens? 5. What riddle does Oedipus now need to solve? 6. In the Ode of Entry, the chorus calls upon Athena; Phoebus; and Apollo. Look up each of these Greek deities, on Wikipedia (no need to write the definition) but once you know who these deities are, respond: Why does the Chorus call of each of them to aid the city of Thebes? 7. On page 14, Oedipus says, "I speak of course, as a stranger to the story and stranger to the crime, being to late your last citizen.." what is ironic, almost humorous about this statement given what we know about Oedipus? 8. Find another example of verbal or dramatic irony. 9. What is Oedipus the King trying to see? What can he see all around him?