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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. In the Clouds, where does Socrates go when he needs to think?

2. At the think-shop, who is Strepsiades presented to after his enrollment?

3. What technique does Strepsiades use to justify the beatings he gave to his father?

4. Based on the debate, what does Philocleon like about the court?

5. Who are Cleon and his rival trying to convince of their worth?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the two slaves doing at the start of the Peace?

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

3. In Peace, what prevented peace form coming back according to Trygaeus and Hermes?

4. How does Bdelycleon trick the wasps into a debate?

5. What arguments does Dicaeopolis' use before the crowd while his head is on the chopping block?

6. Why must the two slaves in The Wasps prevent Philocleon from going out?

7. What does Philocleon do before the arrival of The Wasps?

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

9. In The Wasps, what does the dog's trial teach us about Philocleon's ballot habit?

10. Why is Dicaeopolis frustrated after the assembly adjournment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the Birds intertwine comedy and fantasy, the play makes philosophical statements about the human condition, including acceptance of one's reality. Taking this statement, explain how Aristophanes examines this condition and what he concludes.

Essay Topic 2

In Knights, Aristophanes uses satire in his depiction of democracy and its leaders. Who does Aristophanes use satire to describe? Make sure you define satire and identify the leader whom Aristophanes is emphasizing in Knights, while providing examples from the book to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Aristophanes often examines gender roles in his writing. Assemblywomen discusses the differences, relationships, and tension created among men and women in ancient Greece. What does Aristophanes illustrate in the women's temporary adoption of the male gender? What statement is he trying to make? Use the play to support your conclusions.

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