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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Orestes and Iphigenia are working out a plan to deliver the letter in Part 4 of Iphigenia in Taurus, who does Orestes ask Iphigenia about, wondering if they will consent to letting Pylades go?

2. In Part 4, Iphigenia returns from the temple and speaks with Orestes and Pylades and hands them her letter. What does she state the letter is written on?

3. In the opening of Part 4 of Iphigenia in Taurus, who says, "this is no cause for joy, when death parts friend from friend"?

4. At the opening of Part 5 when the single person enters the scene, who does he have with him?

5. After the Chorus finishes their hymn in the beginning of Part 6, who enters the scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Part 2 of Iphigenia in Taurus, Iphigenia comments on how humanity uses the gods for an excuse. What excuse does she say the gods are used for? The answer to this question is revolutionary to Greek plays because it actually gives the humans blame for being savages and not saying that it was a god's demand. Why do you think this was a revolutionary idea? Has does this same idea exist today? What type of things happen in the play that are examples of this revolutionary idea? Cite specific examples from the play to support your ideas.

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

When Iphigenia is telling King Thoas about the purification rituals she'll have to perform on Orestes, Pylades, and the statue of Artemis, she is confident in what she is telling him even though it is not the truth. Do you think Iphigenia had a lot of courage to lie to the King, or do you think it was easy for her to lie to him? Why do you think King Thoas trusted Iphigenia so fully? When Thoas was preparing his guardsmen to seize and capture Orestes, Pylades, and Iphigenia from their ship, why did the appearance of Athena stop him? Do you think all the mortal characters in the play were fully trusting of all the gods? Why or why not? If not, who do you think did not trust what the gods were about? Explain your reasoning and use specific examples from the play to support your ideas.

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