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Who is Oedipus and what is his role in Thebes?
Oedipus is the king of Thebes.
What crisis is Thebes facing at the beginning of the play?
Thebes is suffering from a plague that is causing death and destruction.
Where does Kreon go to seek advice about the plague, and what does he discover?
Kreon goes to Delphi, Apollo's place of revelation, and discovers that they must expel an old defilement from Thebes.
Who was the previous king of Thebes, and what happened to him?
The previous king was Laios, and he was murdered by highwaymen.
What proclamation does Oedipus make to the people of Thebes?
Oedipus proclaims that anyone who knows about Laios' murder must come forward with information.
What punishment does Oedipus declare for the murderer and those who might protect him?
Oedipus decrees that the murderer will be exiled and that anyone who shelters him will be cursed.
Why does Oedipus say he takes a personal interest in solving Laios' murder?
Oedipus believes that by solving Laios' murder, he protects himself from potential harm.
Who does the Choragos suggest might be able to help identify the murderer?
The Choragos suggests that Teiresias, a skilled clairvoyant, might be able to help.
What was the initial report about Laios' death?
The initial report stated that Laios was killed by highwaymen.
How does the Chorus describe the effects of the plague on Thebes?
The Chorus describes widespread death, infertility, and suffering.
