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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who was Clytemnestra's first husband?
(a) Agamemnon.
(b) Orestes.
(c) Aegisthus.
(d) Pentheus.

2. What does Aegisthus throw on the altar when with Orestes?
(a) Rice.
(b) Barley.
(c) Water.
(d) Wine.

3. What is the opening scene of Electra?
(a) A war field.
(b) A castle.
(c) A farm cottage.
(d) A tower.

4. Who says our daily food is a small matter in Electra?
(a) The farmer.
(b) Iphegenia.
(c) Clytemnestra.
(d) Orestes.

5. What does Electra chide her husband for after the messenger has appeared?
(a) Not feeding her.
(b) Abusing her.
(c) Mistrusting her.
(d) Raping her.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who becomes Clytemnestra's lover?

2. When Oedipus learns the truth about his background, what does he do?

3. Whose servant arrives with food for Electra and her guests?

4. Who says that good character cannot be judged by riches, poverty or courage?

5. Who comes to inform Electra of the success of Orestes' deed?

Short Essay Questions

1. What led to Oedipus' downfall?

2. How are the deaths in the end of Electra received by the characters?

3. How is the death of Aegisthus revealed? What effect does this have on the audience?

4. Who are the Phoenician Women? What are their feelings in the play?

5. What does Electra do when she first sees Orestes?

6. What does Orestes say of Electra's husband (as he pretends to be the messenger)?

7. Describe the dramatic irony in the messenger's speech to Electra in Part Three of the play.

8. Describe briefly the theme of fate in The Phoenician Women.

9. How does Electra react to the strangers coming into her home?

10. Who delivers the final judgment in Electra? What is it?

(see the answer keys)

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