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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 Orestes and Iphigenia are speaking of Orestes being sacrificed, Iphigenia tells Orestes that she will use what to quench his ashes?

2. In Part 2, when Iphigenia is done speaking to the Chorus, where does she go?

3. In Iphigenia's dream, where does she dream that she has escaped to live?

4. What name does Orestes tell Iphigenia would name him justly when he is talking with her outside the temple?

5. What does Orestes see that is stained with Hellene's blood?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part 5 of Iphigenia in Taurus, what reason does Iphigenia give for binding the stranger's arms with cords?

2. In the opening of Part 1 of Iphigenia in Taurus, what does Iphigenia first begin telling us?

3. When Iphigenia is telling about her sorrow, what does she say she can't do for her brother, Orestes?

4. Describe how Iphigenia was saved from death.

5. In Part 6, the messenger tells the King that after Iphigenia got onto the ship safely and the ship was on its way, he heard a ringing voice. What did the voice say?

6. 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?

7. In Part 2, what does Iphigenia say was happening while her father was bringing her to her death?

8. When Iphigenia asks Orestes about Agamemnon, why does Orestes avoid the questioning?

9. Who gave birth to Artemis and Apollo and what did she do after their birth?

10. In Part 6 of Iphigenia in Taurus, why does the messenger not leave when the Chorus tells him that the King is not there at the temple?

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

Who is your favorite character in the play, Iphigenia in Taurus? Why did this character appeal to you? What characteristics did you like about this character? Were there any characteristics that you didn't like about this person? What does this character add to the story? How would things be different if the character did not exist? Would anything remain the same if this character did not exist? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Right from the beginning of Iphigenia in Taurus, we meet the Chorus, who are basically a group of Greek women who are held captive, just like Iphigenia and are her attendants. The Chorus helps in telling us what is going on and provides eloquent ways of telling us things. The Chorus even has moments that they are lamenting and wishing for home, just like Iphigenia. How does the presence of the Chorus of women help with the development of the story? Do we catch a glimpse of what these women are feeling as well? If so, how and when? When Orestes leaves with Iphigenia, do you think these women long to be with them and do you think they are hopeful about being returned to their homeland? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the play to support your thoughts.

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