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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What supernatural ability is Medea said to have?

3. Who is the first character to appear in the play?

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

5. What word best describes Medea's emotional reaction to Creon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you agree or disagree with Creon's decision to banish Medea? Why or why not?

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

3. Analyze Medea's monologue in which she vacillates between killing her children and sparing their lives.

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

5. Why does Medea doubt her ability to trust Aegeus?

6. What is revealed in the argument between Medea and Jason about who loved their children more?

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

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

9. 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.

10. Do you think Aegeus will keep his oath to Medea if she kills everyone she plans to kill, and then seeks refuge in his land?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shed light on how the "deus ex machina" mechanic is used by the author to change the audience's perception of Medea and her behavior. Does this seem natural within the play or contrived? Is it effective as a method for changing the audience's perception of the character?

Essay Topic 2

Aegeus introduces the concept of an oracle to the play. Examine the role of the oracle and the important role this concept plays within the context of the play.

Essay Topic 3

How does the author portray women throughout the play? Use at least three character examples (either onstage or discussed) and examine whether this portrayal matches the attitudes of ancient Greece or is a departure from social norms.

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