View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What has Jason agreed to do while Medea and her children are in exile?
(a) Support them financially.
(b) Abstain from having more children.
(c) Forget about them as if they never existed.
(d) Send letters to Medea's relatives to see if they'll help her.

2. What does Creon, despite his actions, believe compassion leads to?
(a) Popularity.
(b) Revenge.
(c) Happiness.
(d) Suffering.

3. What does the chorus express about Medea's anger toward Jason?
(a) That it's perfectly appropriate.
(b) That it will give her the strength to survive.
(c) That he isn't worth it.
(d) That it won't accomplish anything.

4. What does the Nurse fear at the beginning of the play?
(a) The children will be upset when they see their parents fighting.
(b) Medea will take violent revenge.
(c) Jason will kill Medea for being too contrary.
(d) She will lose her job in the divorce.

5. What is the Tutor's belief about people?
(a) They are good at heart and want to help others.
(b) They all love themselves more than others.
(c) They want to find personal peace at whatever cost.
(d) They generally are just trying to get along without trouble.

Short Answer Questions

1. What word best describes Medea's emotional reaction to Creon?

2. Why does Medea say Creon's mercy was foolish?

3. What would the chorus like Medea to do when they first arrive?

4. What does the chorus do when they learn of Medea's plans for revenge?

5. What is Jason's reaction to the plan involving Medea?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Medea lies to Jason when he returns with the Nurse?

2. Why does the King of Corinth think it is a good idea to send Medea into exile?

3. Does Aegeus have all the information he needs before he swears an oath to Medea? Explain.

4. Given that the audience would typically know the story before going to a play, why do you think the author chose to begin the play with heavy exposition?

5. Medea comments that the only thing stronger than her sorrow is her fury. Is the author making a point here about women in general, or is this merely the character affirming the decision she has made?

6. What similarities are evident in the characters of Jason and Medea?

7. Does the descriptions of the poison's effect lend credence to the idea that it was magical in nature?

8. Does Jason's sudden concern for his children in the final scene seem consistent with the rest of the play? Why or why not?

9. Knowing her plans for her children, why do you think Medea asks Jason to beg Creon to allow them to stay?

10. Is there any indication that, as Medea claims, the gods know the crimes Jason has committed against her?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,056 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample