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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does honor first appear as a theme in the play?

2. What is the strophe?

3. How many parts are there to the Chorus' song that ends Part II?

4. Who is the first speaker in the play?

5. Who are the Greeks trying to rescue in this war?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Odysseus pity Ajax?

2. Ajax says that the rules of nature must be obeyed, and so must what?

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

4. Why would Sophocles have the Chorus enter, in Part 4, complaining?

5. Before he dies, what are some of the things that Ajax prays for?

6. How did Ajax betray the Greeks, according to Menelaus?

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

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

9. Why does Menelaus tell Teucer that he doesn't have to argue with Teucer?

10. Why does the Chorus suggest that it is time the Chorus members flee?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do Odysseus and Ajax present different qualities of a warrior? What are those qualities, and what do they mean for the actions of the characters? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Odysseus, Agamemnon, and Menelaus are all kings. What aspects of a good, or bad, king does each character represent and why? Support your answer with specific examples from the play.

Essay Topic 3

How do the actions of Ajax symbolize the struggles of man against Fate, which is a theme in the play? Support your answer with examples from the text.

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