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. Who says, "As God appoints, so every man laughs or laments?"
(a) Soldier.
(b) Lord.
(c) Leader.
(d) Gentleman.

2. Ajax pleads to be allowed to die but says that who is keeping him alive?
(a) Apollo.
(b) Artemis.
(c) Athena.
(d) Ares.

3. Which god does Ajax ask for help in the first part of the play?
(a) Zeus.
(b) Pan.
(c) Ares.
(d) Apollo.

4. During Ajax's long speech in Part II, what does he feel has been destroyed?
(a) His soul.
(b) His life.
(c) His reputation.
(d) His honor.

5. Why does Ajax refuse to go home?
(a) Doesn't want to leave Odysseus behind.
(b) Doesn't want to leave the battle.
(c) Doesn't want to raise his son.
(d) Doesn't want to face the humiliation.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Ajax first ask to kill him to put him out of his misery?

2. Why does Ajax slaughter a herd of cattle?

3. Who confirms Odysseus' suspicions that Ajax slaughtered a herd of cattle?

4. Where are Tecmessa's parents?

5. What is the name of Ajax's son?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ajax's state of mind right before he kills himself?

2. What is the Chorus?

3. What does the prophecy by Calchas say?

4. Why does Odysseus pity Ajax?

5. How, and why, does Athena protect Odysseus when she brings Ajax out of his tent?

6. What does Ajax tell Eurysaces when he is brought out of hiding by his mother and two attendants?

7. What does Ajax do with his armor, and why?

8. How does Ajax plan to use the sword to kill himself?

9. What does Ajax tell the Chorus he plans to do since Tecmessa has awakened his pity?

10. What is the general purpose of a messenger in Classical Greek theater?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 619 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample