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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. What is Orestes asked to take from the temple by Phoebus Apollo?
(a) A shield from Apollo.
(b) King Thoas' armor.
(c) The statue of Artemis.
(d) A dead corpse.

2. In Part 2, after Iphigenia leaves, the Chorus begins a long questioning of who the strangers are. Who does the Chorus say they wish would come to "this shore" to be sacrificed?
(a) Electra.
(b) Helen.
(c) Apollo.
(d) Achilles.

3. In Part 3, when Iphigenia suggests that Orestes deliver a letter to Argos, what does Orestes suggest they change about Iphigenia's plan?
(a) That they will send a member of the Chorus to deliver the letter and both men will face death.
(b) That no one will deliver the letter because he doesn't trust Iphigenia.
(c) That Pylades deliver the letter and Orestes stay to be sacrificed.
(d) That he and Pylades both deliver the letter.

4. In Part 3, when Iphigenia tells Orestes that he is the visitor she has longed for, what does Orestes tell Iphigenia to hug?
(a) Herself.
(b) Pylades.
(c) Her good luck.
(d) Her sword.

5. After Iphigenia talks about her dream and exits, who appears from the shore?
(a) Helen.
(b) King Thoas.
(c) The Chorus.
(d) Orestes and Pylades.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Part 2, when Iphigenia speaks to the Chorus about her terrible past, whose lips does she say she would not kiss?

2. In Part 3 of Iphigenia in Taurus, who says, "do we not know what sorrow is"?

3. Which end of the Crimean Peninsula does the opening scene take place?

4. In Part 1 of Iphigenia in Taurus, Orestes states that people claim that something fell from the sky into the temple. What was this item that fell from the sky?

5. At the beginning of Part 3 of Iphigenia in Taurus, who enters the scene besides Iphigenia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Iphigenia tell King Thoas the young strangers need to be cleansed?

2. How does the herdsman describe Orestes and Pylades to Iphigenia in Part 2 ?

3. Describe the conversation that Orestes and Iphigenia have concerning Odysseus during Part 3 of Iphigenia in Taurus.

4. Iphigenia talks to the Chorus about her ill fate and how she has had it from the beginning of her existence. She tells the Chorus that she cannot join in the "Argive Hymn to Hera" but that she celebrates rites "unfit for song". What rites is she speaking of and why are they unfit for song?

5. When Orestes is trying to prove to Iphigenia that he is her brother, what story does he claim Iphigenia wove in her loom?

6. In Part 5 of Iphigenia in Taurus, who is the first person to enter the scene and what are they concerned with?

7. What question does Iphigenia ask Orestes in Part 3 that she longs to ask him?

8. In Part 6, even though Iphigenia has left Artemis' temple, she prays to Artemis and asks for her protection and help. Why does Iphigenia feel like Artemis will still understand her and listen to her heartfelt prayers?

9. Describe the dream that Iphigenia has.

10. In Part 5 of Iphigenia in Taurus, King Thoas asks Iphigenia what they should do with the two young men. Why does King Thoas ask Iphigenia this, and what is Iphigenia's reply?

(see the answer keys)

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