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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is Medea glad to see Jason at first?
(a) She thinks she can convince him to come back to her.
(b) So she can finally vent her anger in person.
(c) She wants the opportunity to kill him face-to-face.
(d) Because she needs his advice on where to go.

2. What is the name of Jason's ship?
(a) The Nautilus.
(b) The Labyrinth.
(c) The Argo.
(d) The Golden Fleece.

3. In the time the play was written, what would the audience have typically known before coming to the theater?
(a) When to applaud.
(b) The story of the play.
(c) The names of the actors involved.
(d) The end of the story.

4. What does the chorus, after hearing Medea's plans, say about relations between men and women?
(a) That men should be careful of the wrath of women.
(b) That men look out for women as best they can.
(c) That women are frequently wronged by men.
(d) That women should stop expecting more than is realistic from men.

5. What does Creon, despite his actions, believe compassion leads to?
(a) Popularity.
(b) Happiness.
(c) Revenge.
(d) Suffering.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Medea say about the value of being clever?

2. To whom does the Nurse say Medea cries for comfort?

3. Whom does Jason intend to marry?

4. What are the women of this play communally struggling against?

5. What is the purpose of the first section of the play?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on their conversation, do you find Medea's anger more justified? Why or why not?

2. Does the descriptions of the poison's effect lend credence to the idea that it was magical in nature?

3. It could be said that Medea represents a type of "Everywoman" as she comes to terms with her feelings over her husband's betrayal - do you agree or disagree with this assertion? Explain why.

4. What is the purpose of the chorus ending the play by commenting on the mysterious ways of the gods?

5. Describe how the princess and Creon die.

6. What does the author mean with the quote "no other soul can hold so many thoughts of blood"?

7. Why do you think Medea lies to Jason when he returns with the Nurse?

8. What happens that enables Medea to put her plans into action?

9. What does the argument between Jason and Medea reveal about their marriage?

10. What is significant about the way Creon encountered the poison?

(see the answer keys)

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