Question

40
which scenario best explains jocasta’s reaction when she realizes who oedipus is?
a. she fears oedipus will overthrow her rule.
b. she is ashamed that she did not warn him herself.
c. she understands that the prophecy has been fulfilled.
d. she wants oedipus to become king without distraction.

41
which event most directly leads to oedipus discovering the truth about his parentage?
a. solving the sphinx’s riddle
b. the messenger revealing that oedipus was adopted
c. the servant abandoning the child on the mountain
d. the death of king laius

46.
what is the most likely reason the thebans did not recognize oedipus as laius’s son?
a. the prophecy prevented them from hearing the truth.
b. oedipus had been raised in another kingdom.
c. laius had described his son as much older.
d. the herdsman spread false information about him.

47.
which theme is best supported by oedipus’s attempt to avoid the prophecy?
a. humans can outsmart fate through determination.
b. attempts to escape destiny may ironically ensure it happens.
c. leadership is earned through overcoming adversity.
d. violence is the only solution to solving complex problems.

48.
why does the author include details about the sphinx’s riddle?
a. to show that oedipus was naturally suspicious of riddles
b. to illustrate oedipus’s intelligence and worthiness as king
c. to compare oedipus to other greek heroes
d. to foreshadow oedipus’s later blindness

Explanation:

These questions are about the Oedipus myth, likely from a literature or drama analysis context. Let's tackle one (e.g., question 47 on theme):

• Option A: Oedipus' attempt to avoid prophecy shows he can't outsmart fate, so "Humans can outsmart fate through determination" is wrong.
• Option B: His attempt to escape destiny (prophecy) leads to it happening (killing father, marrying mother), so "Attempts to escape destiny may ironically ensure it happens" fits.
• Option C: The question is about Oedipus' identity/prophecy, not leadership earning, so irrelevant.
• Option D: Violence isn't the focus here; the theme is fate vs. free will.

Answer:

1. B. Attempts to escape destiny may ironically ensure it happens.