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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 does Pylades suggest that he and Orestes retrieve the item they are looking for in Taurus?

2. When Orestes asks Iphigenia if she actually sacrifices the victims, Iphigenia tells him that she does not, but that she purifies the victims. How does Iphigenia purify the sacrifice victims?

3. When Orestes and Iphigenia are discussing Hellas, Orestes tells Iphigenia that a particular person's end was terrible. Who is Orestes talking about?

4. When Iphigenia asks Orestes about the king's son in Part 3 of Iphigenia in Taurus, and asks where he lives, what is Orestes' reply?

5. Who does the Herdsman consider a suitable victim and pleasing sacrifice for Artemis?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In Part 6 of Iphigenia in Taurus, what does the messenger tell the King that makes him a little uneasy?

4. In Part 4 of Iphigenia in Taurus, how does Iphigenia remember Orestes at the time she was taken away to be sacrificed?

5. 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?

6. Describe the dream that Iphigenia has.

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

8. When Iphigenia first finds out that Orestes and Pylades are from her homeland, what plan does she come up with?

9. When the ship that Orestes, Pylades, and Iphigenia are escaping on begins to be pushed backwards towards land, what do the crew and Iphigenia start to do?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story of Iphigenia in Taurus, Euripides includes a group that is known as the Chorus. The story does not tell us which member of the Chorus is speaking, but just groups them together as one. Who does the Chorus consist of and what significance do the play in the story? Why do you think the Chorus is always grouped together? What benefit to the reader does the Chorus provide? How does the Chorus enhance the story of Iphigenia in Taurus? Explain your answer and provide specific instances from the story to support your answers.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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