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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. What is Odysseus examining when Athena appears?

2. How many people accompany Ajax's son onto the stage?

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

4. What will happen to the rest of Ajax's armor?

5. Who did Athena protect throughout the war?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When the Chorus unsuccessfully attempts to calm Ajax, what does Ajax bemoan?

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

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

5. What does Ajax's betrayal earn him, according to Menelaus?

6. What would happen to Tecmessa if Ajax killed himself and why?

7. According to Teucer, why did Ajax join the Greeks in the Trojan War, and what effect does that have?

8. Why does the Chorus believe that Ajax would be better off dead?

9. Describe Odysseus.

10. How does Ajax plan to free himself from Athena's influence and why does he think it will work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does Telamon have in the play? What function does she serve in it, for Ajax? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

What is the Chorus? What is the purpose of the Chorus in this play? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss whether you agree or disagree, and why, with the following statement: The play just peters out at the end without a true ending.

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This section contains 601 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample