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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. The theme of these legends also states that the after-effects can last for generations, which means it's better to listen to the will of __________.
(a) Themselves.
(b) Their ancestors.
(c) Their parents.
(d) The gods.

2. Plays based on Greek legend usually involve a generation after generation repeating a ______.
(a) Fable.
(b) Story.
(c) Resistance.
(d) Crime.

3. The Oracle foretells Laius that Oedipus would one day ______ his mother.
(a) Blind.
(b) Betray.
(c) Kill.
(d) Marry..

4. Who is the King of Thebes at the opening of part 1?
(a) Argos.
(b) Polyneices.
(c) Eteocles.
(d) Laius.

5. The story that "Seven Against Thebes" is based on is part of their background as a ____________.
(a) German.
(b) American.
(c) Greek.
(d) Englishmen.

Short Answer Questions

1. _______ rescues Oedipus and raises him to adulthood.

2. What is the genre of Seven Against Thebes?

3. Who conspires to kill Oedipus at the end of the Background section?

4. To go against the will of the gods, or to make them angry, is to risk destruction. This is considered the _____ of the play.

5. Eteocles tells the men that the battle has ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Chorus of Women? What information does the Chorus reveal to the audience?

2. Describe the theme of fate as depicted in part 2 of the play.

3. Why did the Oracle of Apollo punish Laius and what was his punishment?

4. Why would Eteocles and Polyneices plot to kill their father?

5. Compare and contrast Antigone and Ismene.

6. How does Eteocles view women, especially the Chorus?

7. What is the significance of Polyneices going to Argos and marrying a princess?

8. What is a dirge? Who says the dirge and for what reason was it used?

9. Was the decision between Eteocles and Polyneices to share time as king of Thebes a fair and just agreement? Explain.

10. Why was it important that Oedipus solved the Riddle of the Sphinx?

(see the answer keys)

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