What rhetorical questions identify two positions or world views in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Answer 1

Whether or not Oedipus is depraved and Whether or not Teiresias wishes to betray Oedipus and destroy Thebes are rhetorical questions that identify two positions or world views in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, a rhetorical question has no expected answer. A world view is an understanding of the environment in terms of a specific viewpoint. The difference between the world views of fate versus free will refers to the way in which an individual can or cannot control the direction in which life moves into inevitable death.

In the second episode or scene, Theban King Oedipus confesses to his murderous crime. He fears that he may be cursed by his own doing if his victim somehow is connected with King Laius, Oedipus' royal predecessor and his wife's first husband. He questions, "Am I not depraved?" He receives no answer and does not seem to expect one. He says that he needs to be exiled, which is his prophesied fate.

Also in the second episode or scene, but as an example of free will, Oedipus asks whether Teiresias the blind prophet wishes to betray him and destroy the city of Thebes. In essence, Oedipus asks if Teiresias plans treason. The answer is obvious in the sense that no one admits treason and receives the humiliating, painful traitor's punishment. Teiresias does not respond. Instead, he maintains that he still will not give the information that his sovereign seeks.