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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 does Medea first consent to leave her home and meet with the chorus?
(a) It's important to foreigners to keep up good relations with the locals.
(b) She is afraid if she stays inside any longer she will go mad.
(c) She needs friends to comfort her and help her plan for the future.
(d) She wants to find out if they have information about where to find Jason.

2. What was Jason's mission when he and Medea met?
(a) To negotiate peace with Thebes.
(b) To find glory and live forever in legend.
(c) To find a beautiful wife.
(d) To capture the Golden Fleece.

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

4. Who orders Medea to leave with her children?
(a) Creon.
(b) Jason.
(c) The Nurse.
(d) Aegeus.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the chorus express about Medea's anger toward Jason?

2. Who explains why Medea is crying to the chorus?

3. When did Medea kill for Jason?

4. Why doesn't Creon trust Medea's reasons for allowing her to stay?

5. What does Jason say he has done on Medea's behalf?

Short Essay Questions

1. Given that the audience would typically know the story before going to a play, why do you think the author chose to begin the play with heavy exposition?

2. Is Creon's naming of Medea as a "clever witch" supposed to be taken literally or figuratively?

3. What do you think the messenger means when he says the princess "smiled at the lifeless image of herself" in the mirror?

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

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

6. Why do you think the author spends so much time focusing on the sounds of pain from Medea, rather than just the rage over her betrayal?

7. Do you think Medea gains or loses sympathy during her scene with the messenger? Why?

8. Why does the author make sure to establish the fact that women are treated poorly by men?

9. Does Medea's behavior support or work against the author's point about women being strong and independent?

10. Is Medea reacting truthfully during the entire fight, or is she setting Jason up for her ultimate revenge?

(see the answer keys)

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