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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. Why is Eteocles considered to be an illegal king?

2. The Oracle foretells Laius that Oedipus would one day ______ him.

3. Plays based on Greek legend usually involve a generation after generation repeating a ______.

4. What is the name of a group of individual actors speaking with the thoughts, emotions, and reactions of a single character?

5. When Oedipus' crimes are revealed, what happens to Jocasta?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the city of Thebes most like a "mother" to her people?

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

3. Who says, "If the gods [demand] evil, no man can evade it?" To whom is this character saying that to? What is this character referring to?

4. Were Oedipus and Jocasta's reaction to their incestuous relations justified? Explain.

5. Describe Laius' reaction to the Oracle's foreshadowing of Oedipus' life. Was his reaction justified? Explain.

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

7. Compare and contrast Antigone and Ismene.

8. Why does Eteocles say he is so angry with the Chorus in the beginning of part 2?

9. Is Antigone just in her actions to give Polyneices a proper burial? Explain.

10. Why does the Chorus speak of Jocasta in part 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the idea of battle and war differ between men and women?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the concept of fear as presented in the play. Describe the Chorus' fear. Is their fear justified?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the idea of family loyalty as viewed by Antigone to that of Eteocles.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 630 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample