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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. What prevents Medea from returning to her homeland?
(a) There is no ship that will go there.
(b) She is a criminal there.
(c) Her pride.
(d) She is forbidden from returning by Creon.

2. What does Jason offer Medea towards the end of their argument?
(a) A golden ring to sell for money.
(b) An opportunity to stay in the city.
(c) Nothing.
(d) Money to support herself and the children.

3. What choice does Jason claim Medea will regret in the future?
(a) Threatening the King.
(b) Refusing his money.
(c) Arranging to go back to her homeland.
(d) Staying in a kingdom nearby.

4. What character has the strongest position in Part 3?
(a) Jason.
(b) Medea.
(c) Aegeus.
(d) Creon.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Jason claim motivated him to leave Medea for the princess?

2. What would the chorus like Medea to do when they first arrive?

3. Why does Medea have no choice but to trust Jason?

4. What country is the myth of Medea from?

5. Why does Jason say Medea is lucky?

Short Essay Questions

1. Medea is clearly a very proud character, so what do you think motivates her to beg Creon on her knees for more time before being forced into exile?

2. 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?

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

4. The ode from the chorus after Medea's monologue seems a bit misplaced, as though they are not speaking about Medea at all. What do you think is the purpose of this choral piece?

5. Why would Medea believe that Jason was embarrassed by her?

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

7. What function does the chorus of Corinthian women serve?

8. What are the primary differences between Jason and Medea during their argument?

9. What literary function does the Nurse serve by opening the play?

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

(see the answer keys)

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