1. Socratic Seminar

2.  Audiences have always found the play Oedipus Rex to be very compelling. Many people have argued that the reason for this is that audiences prefer to watch a tragedy rather than a comedy. Is this true?  Think about your favorite movies, stories, etc. Are they tragedies or comedies? Why might people take more interest in a tragedy?

3. We have been discussing how much arrogance Oedipus has. Does he have a reason for his arrogance? What is the difference between confidence and arrogance? He defeated the Sphinx, a task no one was able to accomplish. Because of this, he has been admired in Thebes for fifteen years. Has this gone to his head?

4. “Ignorance is Bliss” is an old saying which means that it is better for a person not to know the terrible situation he is in. Both Tiresias and the shepherd are both reluctant to reveal the truth to Oedipus. Do you agree with them? Is it better not to know the truth if it is hurtful?

5. By the end of the Theban trilogy, Creon has grown into such an arrogant and ruthless dictator who is so stubborn that it results in the death of this son. How can we explain this transformation? Can a person who is in power for many years be changed that drastically? What should a person do to ensure that he or she is not affected by power?

6. Throughout the play, Oedipus shows his anger many times to Tiresias, Creon and even Jocasta. Is this responsible behavior for a leader? Are there times when a leader should not reveal what he is thinking or should he be able to unleash his emotions whenever he wants to? What should leaders do with their anger?