Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- What’s the role of forgiveness and revenge in Oedipus at Colonus? If you were Oedipus, would you have forgiven Polyneices?
- Oedipus is always going on about how his daughters are like men because they’re responsible. What does Oedipus at Colonus show us about gender roles in ancient Greece? Do they have anything to do with gender roles today?
- What is the role of prophesy in the play? What does it tell us about Oedipus the character and the gods?
- Discuss the conflict between fate and destiny on one hand and free will on the other. Which dominates? How does each character grapple with their limited free will?
- What function does off-stage action have in Oedipus at Colonus? Why, for example, does Sophocles sometimes have messengers describe actions that have occurred rather than portraying events directly?
- Why doesn’t Ismene get as much of a role as Antigone? How do their relationships with their father differ?
- Compare and contrast the characters of Oedipus, Antigone, Creon, Ismene, and Polyneices in this play with their versions in Oedipus the King and Antigone.