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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. What two things does the Herdsman tell Iphigenia to get ready for the young men to be sacrificed?

3. When Iphigenia arrived in Taurus, what was her appointed job in the temple?

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

5. While Iphigenia is speaking to the Chorus, she mentions that she is without what four things?

Short Essay Questions

1. When the messenger enters the scene in Part 6 of Iphigenia in Taurus, he ignores the Chorus and eagerly seeks out King Thoas. Why does he do this?

2. In Part 2 of Iphigenia of Taurus, why does Iphigenia claim she is cruel now, and what does she say has made her that way?

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

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. In Part 5 of Iphigenia in Taurus, Iphigenia relates a story to King Thoas concerning the image of Artemis. What does she tell King Thoas about?

6. What plan does Iphigenia devise to make sure her message gets to its destination if the letter is lost or taken?

7. In Part 5 of Iphigenia in Taurus, why does King Thoas tell Iphigenia that it is natural that the city honors her?

8. Describe the opening scene of Part 1 of Iphigenia in Taurus.

9. In Part 6 of Iphigenia in Taurus, the messenger tells the King about the escape of Orestes, Pylades, and Iphigenia. After the messenger tells the King about the escape, he tells the King that he'll be even more surprised by what other news he has tell him. What is the other news that will surprise the King even more?

10. When Iphigenia enters from the central door of the temple in the beginning of Part 2, why does she say she is sunk in "bitter tears and deep distress"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the play, Iphigenia in Taurus, the theme of betrayal is evident when we learn of Iphigenia's father, Agamemnon, betraying his own daughter. How does Agamemnon betray others that he loves during this time? Do you think Agamemnon felt sorry for what happened to his daughter? Later on, Agamemnon is betrayed. By who? Do you think Euripides used the betrayal of Iphigenia by her father as a kind of foreshadowing of another betrayal yet to come? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In the play, Iphigenia in Taurus, there is a parallel drawn between Orestes and Iphigenia being brother and sister and Artemis and Apollo being brother and sister. The play consists of examples of love being shown between each set of brother and sister. What is a parallel and why do you think Euripides included this particular parallel in the story? Do you think either Artemis or Apollo was more sympathetic towards Orestes or Iphigenia because they had a similar relationship? 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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