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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 is the purpose of the first section of the play?
(a) To offer background information.
(b) To apologize for any parts the audience may not like.
(c) To make the audience laugh before the tragedy begins.
(d) To introduce every character in the play.

2. What function does the chorus's ode serve after the fight between Medea and Creon?
(a) It offers more exposition to explain what is happening.
(b) It illuminates the subtext behind the relationship between the two.
(c) It gives the audience a breather from the intensity of the scene.
(d) It gives time for a scene change.

3. To whom does the Nurse say Medea cries for comfort?
(a) The servants.
(b) Creon.
(c) Her children.
(d) The gods.

4. What does Medea think about the way women are treated by men in Greece?
(a) They are treated well enough.
(b) They are treated worse than slaves.
(c) They are treated very badly in general.
(d) They are treated with the same tolerance as children.

5. What prevents Creon from helping Medea or seeing her point of view?
(a) His desire to rid his kingdom of a foreign menace.
(b) His strong friendship with Jason.
(c) His beliefs about women and their role in society.
(d) His love for his daughter and desire to see her happy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What bargain does Medea strike with Creon?

2. Why does Medea claim she is refusing Jason's money?

3. Medea longs to go to what place that she's forbidden to visit?

4. What is Jason's reaction to the plan involving Medea?

5. Why does Jason say Medea is lucky?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is significant about the Tutor's statement "that everyone loves himself more than his neighbor"?

3. Is there merit to Medea's final justification to the chorus about why she must kill her children? Why or why not?

4. Why is it significant that Medea is overcome with tears when she puts the children's hands into Jason's?

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

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

7. How is Jason's behavior different the second time he speaks with Medea?

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

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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