Oedipus Rex

**Quiz Question: *Oedipus Rex* by Sophocles** At the end of *Oedipus Rex*, what does Oedipus do to punish himself after realizing the truth about his identity and actions? A) He throws himself off the walls of Thebes B) He blinds himself with the pins from Jocasta's brooches C) He exiles Creon and takes his own life D) He surrenders himself to the gods at the temple of Apollo **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation:* After learning that he has fulfilled the prophecy by killing his father Laius and marrying his mother Jocasta, and discovering Jocasta's lifeless body after her suicide, Oedipus blinds himself with the golden pins from her dress. This act of self-blinding carries deep symbolism: Oedipus, who once took pride in his ability to "see" and unravel mysteries, chooses to punish himself with literal blindness after gaining a painful understanding of his destiny.

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**Quiz Question: *Oedipus Rex* by Sophocles** At the end of *Oedipus Rex*, what does Oedipus do to himself as a direct consequence of discovering the truth about his identity and his crimes? A) He throws himself off the walls of Thebes B) He blinds himself with the brooches from Jocasta's dress C) He exiles Creon and seizes full control of Thebes D) He drinks poison prepared by the Oracle at Delphi **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation: After realizing he has fulfilled the prophecy by killing his father Laius and marrying his mother Jocasta, and upon finding Jocasta dead by suicide, Oedipus uses the golden brooches from her dress to gouge out his own eyes. This act of self-blinding carries deep symbolism: while he had physical sight, he was "blind" to the truth; now that he recognizes the truth, he chooses to blind himself.*

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**Quiz Question: *Oedipus Rex* by Sophocles** At the end of *Oedipus Rex*, what does Oedipus do to himself after learning the truth about his identity and the death of Jocasta? A) He throws himself off the palace walls B) He blinds himself with the pins from Jocasta's brooch C) He exiles himself immediately and peacefully leaves Thebes D) He is struck blind by the gods as divine punishment **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation:* After realizing that Jocasta has hanged herself and that he has fulfilled the prophecy—killing his father Laius and marrying his own mother—Oedipus takes the pins from Jocasta's dress and gouges out his own eyes. This act of self-blinding carries deep symbolism: Oedipus, who could physically "see" but was blind to the truth, now blinds himself after finally confronting the reality of his fate.

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