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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. How are Apollo and Artemis related?

2. When Orestes speaks to Iphigenia about being sacrificed and what will happen, Iphigenia offers to heap what at Orestes' grave?

3. When the Herdsman is telling Iphigenia about the capture of the strangers, he mentions something about their country's custom towards strangers. What is their country's custom towards strangers?

4. Who snatched Iphigenia from the altar from which she was to be sacrificed?

5. When Iphigenia asks Orestes and Pylades if they are brothers in Part 3, what does Orestes say in reply?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What does Orestes request Pylades do for him when he returns home?

3. What do Orestes and Pylades finally decide to do after they have spoken of how to get into the temple?

4. What does Iphigenia think her dream means?

5. Why does Orestes claim he is an outcast?

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

7. In Part 4, when Iphigenia is telling Pylades the contents of her letter, why does Pylades tell Iphigenia that she has bound him with an easy oath?

8. When Orestes is speaking to Pylades about the plan for Pylades to take the letter back for Iphigenia, how does Pylades respond?

9. What are some of the ways that Orestes and Pylades contemplate entering the temple?

10. In Part 1, what does Iphigenia claim her father vowed to Artemis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most Greek tragedies there are serious instances of death or sorrow, but in Euripides' play there is a little softer side of a Greek tragedy. Why do you think Euripides softened the tragedy of his play compared to other writers of his time? Why do you think Euripides introduced a strong female central character, which is another rare occurrence in Greek mythology and plays? Did you like the fact that the play came to a happy resolution after Iphigenia had gone through so much ill-fate and sorrow throughout her life? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

During the play, Iphigenia in Taurus, both Orestes and Iphigenia speak about how human beings should live their lives according to their free will and not depend on the Gods to decide all their doings. What actions does Iphigenia take to make this wish a reality? What actions does Orestes take to make this a reality as well? Do you think either Orestes or Iphigenia depend on any of the gods for any specific reasons? If yes, what do you think they are? If no, why don't you think they depend on the gods for anything? Use specific material from the play to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the story of Iphigenia in Taurus there is a theme of family. We can see Iphigenia's love for her family through her sorrow, pain, and joy. What moments in the story bring Iphigenia sorrow, pain, and misery concerning her family? What parts in the story bring Iphigenia joy concerning her family? Use specific examples from the story to support your answers. Why do you think family is so important to Iphigenia? Do you think the love of her family has grown more because of her absence? Why or why not.

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