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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Ajax mention doing to the sword during his soliloquy before his death?
(a) Using his sword.
(b) Sharpening his sword.
(c) Polishing his sword.
(d) Dulling his sword.

2. Why is acting out of revenge considered foolish?
(a) Because revenge is for commoners.
(b) Because you are acting out of emotion, not thought.
(c) Because emotional behavior is for women.
(d) Because revenge is not honorable.

3. What purpose does the messenger serve in Classical Greek theater?
(a) He is a minor character.
(b) He is a common narrative device.
(c) He is a minor insight into the characters.
(d) He is a common informational device.

4. Ajax tells the Chorus that he is planning to purify himself how?
(a) By burying his armor.
(b) By going home.
(c) By burning an offering to the gods.
(d) By burying his sword.

5. When the Chorus calls for Tecmessa to come out of her tent, what do they call her?
(a) Woman born to sorrow.
(b) Woman born to fear.
(c) Woman born to pain.
(d) Woman born to death.

6. The characters, in Classical Greek theater, will view fighting against a prophecy as what?
(a) Bringing honor to themselves.
(b) Futile.
(c) Their duty.
(d) Helpful.

7. What does Ajax say that all things must bow to?
(a) Power.
(b) Hate.
(c) Authority.
(d) The Gods.

8. In Ajax's youth, what did he want to win alone, without the help of the gods?
(a) Victory.
(b) Gold.
(c) Honor.
(d) Courage.

9. Who generally can break the cycle that killing and humiliation begin?
(a) The gods.
(b) An act of nature.
(c) A woman.
(d) Humans.

10. In the stage directions, when Ajax dies, what is his body partially concealed by?
(a) The waves.
(b) The rocks.
(c) The underbrush.
(d) The trees.

11. Teucer's comments about Hector reveal a secondary theme, which is what?
(a) Spite.
(b) Revenge.
(c) Fear.
(d) Hate.

12. When the Choruses first appear after Ajax's death, what are they complaining about?
(a) How hard their searches for Ajax are.
(b) How their feet hurt from searching.
(c) How hot it is while they are searching.
(d) How futile their searches are.

13. What is hubris?
(a) Excessive honor.
(b) Excessive pride.
(c) Excessive bragging.
(d) Excessive boasting.

14. How has Ajax planted his sword in the ground?
(a) Point first.
(b) Flat, on its side.
(c) Standing on its edge.
(d) Hilt first.

15. The messenger tells a story to the Chorus that shows Ajax has what quality?
(a) Great cunning.
(b) Great pride.
(c) Great confidence.
(d) Great intelligence.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who attempts to see Ajax, and is refused by Tecmessa?

2. Who calls for Tecmessa to come listen to the messenger?

3. Who did Ajax take his sword from?

4. Who does Teucer predict his father will vent his grief against?

5. When Ajax leaves their presence, the Chorus rejoices in his what?

(see the answer keys)

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