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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To whom does Orestes pray while at his father's tomb?
(a) Hera and Demeter.
(b) Hermes and Zeus.
(c) Aphrodite and Diana.
(d) Athena and Apollo.

2. About whom does the chorus ask the herald for news?
(a) Paris.
(b) Hector.
(c) Menelaus.
(d) Chryseis.

3. According to Clytemnestra's message to the herald, how has she kept her husband's house?
(a) She has been overwhelmed by the responsibilities of it.
(b) As well as she could.
(c) Safe and welcoming upon his return.
(d) She has given it over to someone else for safekeeping.

4. To whom does Cassandra initially cry out?
(a) Apollo.
(b) Zeus.
(c) Athena.
(d) Hermes.

5. In which city does "The Oresteia" begin?
(a) Delphi.
(b) Troy.
(c) Mycenae.
(d) Athens.

6. According to Agamemnon, what was the cause of Troy's being "ground into dust?"
(a) It was the will of two kings.
(b) It was because of a misunderstanding.
(c) It was the will of the gods.
(d) It was over a woman.

7. What does Clytemnestra assume about Cassandra?
(a) Cassandra is not very smart.
(b) Cassandra is deaf.
(c) Cassandra is being belligerent.
(d) Cassandra does not understand what is being said.

8. How does Agamemnon make his entrance?
(a) In a chariot.
(b) On horse back.
(c) On foot.
(d) In a horse-cart.

9. What is the function of the herald at the beginning of the second part of the first play?
(a) He brings news of Aegisthus.
(b) He brings news of Orestes.
(c) He brings news of Agamemnon.
(d) He brings news of Iphigenia.

10. What gift did Apollo give Cassandra before the events of The Oresteia?
(a) The ability of persuasion.
(b) Immortality.
(c) The ability to speak in tongues.
(d) Prophecy.

11. What does Agamemnon find unsuitable about his welcome?
(a) He does not find it unsuitable.
(b) He says it is suited for gods, not mortals.
(c) He says that it is clearly meant for someone else.
(d) He says it is too poor for a king.

12. What was Apollo's reaction to Cassandra not meeting his expectations when he granted her with a gift?
(a) He impregnated her, shaming her family.
(b) He cursed her to speak the truth but never to be believed.
(c) He turned the other gods against her.
(d) He took away her gift of prophecy.

13. Whom did Clytemnestra send into exile?
(a) Iphigenia.
(b) Electra.
(c) Orestes.
(d) Hecuba.

14. What was Paris's actual deed that set off the Trojan War?
(a) He kidnapped Helen.
(b) He murdered Menelaus.
(c) He rejected Apollo.
(d) He dishonored Aphrodite.

15. In her first appearance, Clytemnestra claims the chorus does not believe her. On what grounds does she base this claim?
(a) She is an inexperienced queen.
(b) She is not faithful to her husband.
(c) She is not a holy woman.
(d) She is a woman.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the chorus, what is the only thing Electra can pray for while at Agamemnon's grave?

2. In the first part of the first play, according to Clytemnestra, what does Agamemnon have yet to endure?

3. What is Clytemnestra's final reaction to Cassandra?

4. For what does the herald thank the gods?

5. For what does Clytemnestra particularly take offense with the chorus while reveling in her triumph?

(see the answer keys)

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