Oedipus and Delphi: Key Themes and Characters in Sophocles' Play

What has been happening in the city of Thebes that brings all members of the community to Oedipus' palace for answers?

Famine, plague, and infertility.

What deed had Oedipus accomplished that makes the Thebans believe that he is 'wisest in the ways of God'?

He defeated the Sphinx 15 years ago.

How does the priest appeal to Oedipus' sense of duty?What deos it say about Oedipus that the priest needs to speak to him like this?

Make sure your legacy is not going to be one where you were succesful in saving the kingdom once then letting it fall under ur rule . He should be remembered as a succesful king .He is reminding Oedipus of his primary goal which is protecting his people.

Why does Oedipus claim that he suffers more than the suppliants?

He bears the burden of responsibility.

On what errand does Oedipus send Creon and why?

To the oracle at Delphi to find out how to help the city.

What is Oedipus and Creon's relationship?

Creon is Jocasta's brother and Oedipus's brother-in-law.

What information does Creon bring Oedipus upon his return?

The Gods are upset because Laius's murderer is in the city.

Why has no one made an attempt to find out the truth about what had happened to Laius?

The Sphinx was a priority and many deaths occupied their attention.

Whose voices does the Chorus represent?

The people of Thebes.

What is Oedipus' reaction when he hears the Chorus pray for help?

He believes he can solve the problem and thinks they don't need to pray.

What promise does Oedipus make to anyone who comes forward with information about Laius' murder?

Many rewards and blessings.

What does Oedipus promise will happen to the murderer of Laius once he is found?

No death penalty, no harm, only banishment.

Why does Oedipus say he is so devoted to finding the murderer of Laius?

He feels gratitude towards Laius for his riches and family.

What is Tiresias' response to Oedipus' question about the murder of Laius?

Tiresias is hesitant and fears the consequences.

What is Oedipus' reaction to Tiresias' response? Whom does he accuse of treason?

He blames Creon, thinking they are plotting against him.

What does Tiresias say when Oedipus mocks his blindness?

He states he can see the truth while Oedipus is blind to it.

How does the Chorus serve as the conscience of the play?

They guide the audience through the morality of the play.

Why is Creon upset? What does he say is the worst insult possible?

He is upset about being accused of treason, revealing his value for truth and respect.

What is Creon's defense against the accusations against him?

It would be foolish to take the crown as he already lives like a king.

Why does the Chorus believe Jocasta can settle the differences between the two men?

She has control over them as both love her.

What 'proof' does Jocasta offer that prophets and oracles are mere superstition?

Her son was supposed to kill Laius, but that hasn't happened.

Where was Laius killed? Why is this important to Oedipus?

At the place where three roads meet; it connects to Oedipus's own actions.

What has become of the only surviving member of the attack on King Laius' traveling party?

He became a shepherd and wanted a quiet life.

Why had Oedipus fled Corinth years before?

To escape the oracle's prophecy.

Whom does Oedipus insist that Jocasta send for?

The survivor of Laius's attack.

Whom does Oedipus blame for his newly discovered misfortune?

The Gods, but he also acknowledges his own responsibility.

What news does the messenger bring from Corinth to Thebes? How does Oedipus react?

His father has died; he feels sad yet relieved.

Why does Oedipus say he still fears to return to Corinth? What is the messenger's response?

He fears the prophecy concerning his mother; the messenger reveals Oedipus is adopted.

What request does Jocasta make of Oedipus? What does Oedipus accuse Jocasta of?

She asks him to stop his investigation; he accuses her of trying to dissuade him.

How was Oedipus rescued as a baby?

A Theban shepherd found him and gave him to a Corinthian shepherd, who then gave him to the king and queen of Corinth.

How did the shepherd and the Corinthian messenger know each other?

They used to tend sheep on the same mountain for six months out of the year.

What does the name 'Oedipus' mean?

Swollen Foot.

How does Jocasta deal with obstacles?

She runs away and tries to avoid her problems.

How does Oedipus deal with obstacles?

He confronts problems and tries to fix them.

What does Oedipus eventually learn about himself?

He was adopted, killed his father, married his mother, and that the oracle's prophecies always come true.

What news does the palace official bring?

Jocasta has died.

What is ironic about Jocasta's death?

She hangs herself in her bedroom, the place where everything began.

What does Oedipus say he will do now that the truth is known?

He will honor the gods' wishes and banish himself from Thebes.

Who becomes ruler of Thebes after Oedipus?

Creon.

What kindness does Creon grant Oedipus?

He allows Oedipus to have one final goodbye to his two daughters.

What are Oedipus' last three requests?

A proper burial for Jocasta, to go to Cithaeron, and for his daughters to be looked after.

What is Oedipus' answer when asked if death would have been preferable?

He believes he deserves to suffer and live with his pain and guilt.

Why didn't Oedipus kill himself?

He thinks that killing himself is the easy way out; he wants to live with the pain.

How did the city of Delphi come to be chosen as the 'center of the world'?

Zeus sent two birds flying in opposite directions, and they met at Delphi.

What is one of the most important symbols of Delphi?

The Rock named the NAVEL.

How did Gaia lose power over the Oracle?

She was overthrown by Apollo, who seized her power.

Who was the high priestess of Delphi?

Her title was Pythia.

Why did Apollo choose a woman as the priestess?

To honor Gaia and to ensure she would not have powerful connections.

How important was the Oracle at Delphi to the ancient Greeks?

They relied on it for guidance in everyday life.

What other reasons did people come to Delphi?

To see the Pythian games and the theater of Dionysus.

What was written on the wall in the temple?

Know thyself.

What does 'Know thyself' mean?

Don't ask questions you already know the answer to; understand yourself.

What were some reasons the Delphic Oracle gave mysterious answers?

To avoid being wrong or lying to people.

How did Delphi eventually become conquered?

When Alexander the Great and his father conquered Greece.

Why was Christianity able to overtake Apollo's sacred place quickly?

The apostles and missionaries converted people, offering a more comforting religion.