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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 god(s) does Trygeaeus find willingly remain in heaven?

2. What is the chorus of old men doing after they arrive at Bdelycleon's home?

3. What type of contest is Dicaeopolis invited to participate in?

4. Who foiled Philocleon's plan?

5. How is Cleon outbid for support at the Boule?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Dicaeopolis frustrated after the assembly adjournment?

2. In Peace, why do you think Trygaeus thought peace was dead?

3. How does Aristophanes portray the Athenian political system in The Knights?

4. Why does Dicaeopolis risk his life for his anti-war cause?

5. How does Cleon react to losing the support of the crowd in The Knights?

6. Why is Strepsiades expelled shortly after his enrollment at the school in The Clouds?

7. What is Dicaeopolis waiting for at the beginning of Acharnians and why?

8. What reversal of fortune does Philocleon experience at the end of The Wasps?

9. Why are Demosthenes and Nicias portrayed as slaves in The Knights?

10. In Peace, why does Trygaeus want to see the gods?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of Strepsiades' character in the play Clouds. What is his role in the play? Is he the protagonist or the antagonist? Use the book and examples of Strepsiades' character and actions to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

In Peace, analyze Aristophanes' depiction of the theme of peace versus war. How does Aristophanes feel about war? How does he feel about those who benefit from it, financially or otherwise?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the role of Socrates in The Clouds and discuss why his character in this play proved controversial. Would you consider his depiction of Socrates comedic? Distorted? Make sure you identify Socrates' role as a well-known and intellectual figure in Athens. Give examples of how Aristophanes used comedy or distorted the truth in his depiction of Socrates in Clouds.

(see the answer keys)

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