- 1. Oedipus at Colonus, a profound tragedy written by Sophocles, is the second play in the Theban cycle and serves as a poignant conclusion to the myth of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes. Set in the peaceful and sacred grove of Colonus, near Athens, the drama unfolds as an aged and blinded Oedipus, once a proud ruler and now a tragic figure marked by his ill-fated destiny, seeks refuge and redemption in his final days. The play explores themes of fate, responsibility, and the human condition as Oedipus confronts his past misdeeds, particularly the horrific prophecies that foretold his patricide and incest. As he struggles with his identity and the burdens of his history, he engages in profound dialogues with the locals, including his loyal daughter Antigone, who symbolizes compassion and duty. The interplay between divine will and human agency is examined through Oedipus's acceptance of his fate, contrasting the earlier defiance he exhibited in Oedipus Rex. The play culminates in Oedipus's acceptance of his role in the greater cosmic order, where he ultimately finds a sense of peace and redemption. Sophocles masterfully intertwines compassion with tragedy, illustrating that while Oedipus cannot escape his past, he can achieve a sense of dignity and closure in facing his mortality, making Oedipus at Colonus a rich and moving exploration of suffering, wisdom, and the quest for belonging.
Who is the author of 'Oedipus at Colonus'?
A) Aeschylus
B) Aristophanes
C) Sophocles
D) Euripides
- 2. Who accompanies Oedipus to Colonus?
A) Antigone
B) Creon
C) The Chorus
D) Ismene
- 3. What natural feature does Oedipus encounter at Colonus?
A) A river
B) A mountain
C) A plain
D) A grove
- 4. What major theme is explored in 'Oedipus at Colonus'?
A) Power and ambition
B) Love and betrayal
C) Redemption and forgiveness
D) War and peace
- 5. Who is the king of Athens that helps Oedipus?
A) Theseus
B) Creon
C) Polyneices
D) Haemon
- 6. What does Oedipus ask of Theseus?
A) To fight for him
B) To take care of his daughters
C) To bury him in Colonus
D) To help him return to Thebes
- 7. What does Oedipus symbolize in the play?
A) Human suffering and fate
B) Heroism and honor
C) Wealth and power
D) Wisdom and intelligence
- 8. What prophecy haunts Oedipus throughout the story?
A) He will be betrayed by his sons
B) He will kill his father and marry his mother
C) He will conquer Athens
D) He will live a long life
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