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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 Iphigenia.
(d) He brings news of Agamemnon.

2. For what does the herald thank the gods?
(a) He thanks them for blessing him and the army.
(b) He thanks them for having such a benevolent queen.
(c) He thanks them for sending him his wife.
(d) He thanks them for speaking to him.

3. According to the chorus of women, what will atone for the murder of Agamemnon?
(a) A blood sacrifice.
(b) An apology.
(c) Electra giving herself over to the gods.
(d) Clytemnestra's resignation of the throne.

4. What did Apollo expect in return for the gift he granted to Cassandra?
(a) Cassandra was to build a shrine to him.
(b) Cassandra was to give herself to him.
(c) Cassandra was to renounce all other gods.
(d) Cassandra was to honor him publicly.

5. Why is the herald so joyful?
(a) The gods have spoken to him.
(b) Clytemnestra favors him.
(c) He is home in Mycenae.
(d) He is gotten married.

6. What does Orestes pray for at the beginning of "The Libation Bearers"?
(a) Peace of mind.
(b) Success in his plan of revenge for his father's murder.
(c) His success in war.
(d) Safe voyage overseas.

7. What is the herald's opinion on Troy and Paris?
(a) Paris should have surrendered and the city left untouched.
(b) It is a tragedy.
(c) The city should have turned Paris over to the Greeks.
(d) They got what they deserved.

8. According to Clytemnestra, where are the signals that the man on the roof was watching for?
(a) In caves.
(b) In trees.
(c) On ships strewn throughout the oceans.
(d) On top of mountains.

9. What future events does Cassandra foresee after she sees the past?
(a) She sees herself as queen of Mycenae.
(b) She sees herself escaping the city.
(c) She sees the murder of herself and Agamemnon by Clytemnestra.
(d) She sees herself ruling Mycenae with Clytemnestra's lover.

10. What does Clytemnestra's entrance reveal in the fifth part of "The Agamemnon"?
(a) Orestes has returned.
(b) Agamemnon and Cassandra are murdered.
(c) Aegisthus is preparing to murder her.
(d) The ghost of her daughter is following her.

11. Whom does Agamemnon tell Clytemnestra to greet and treat well?
(a) Hecuba.
(b) Andromache.
(c) Briseis.
(d) Cassandra.

12. What is Aegisthus's reaction when the chorus brings up Clytemnestra and her role in the murders?
(a) He goes back inside.
(b) He meekly agrees.
(c) He threatens them violently.
(d) He ignores them.

13. What feelings suddenly strike the chorus after Agamemnon enters his palace?
(a) They have feelings of foreboding.
(b) They have feelings of hysteria.
(c) They have feelings of sickness.
(d) They have feelings of joy.

14. Who comprises the group of women at Agamemnon's tomb?
(a) Priestesses of Apollo.
(b) Family servants who have been with them for years.
(c) Female Trojans whom Agamemnon took prisoner.
(d) Amazons.

15. What is Cassandra's reaction to Clytemnestra?
(a) She tells her she does not wish to leave the city.
(b) She does not move from the chariot.
(c) Cassandra refuses the wine Clytemnestra offers.
(d) Cassandra throws herself at her feet.

Short Answer Questions

1. What reasoning did Clytemnestra give for exiling a certain person before the events of "The Agamemnon"?

2. How does part of the chorus react to the death of Agamemnon?

3. What does Agamemnon think about this particular welcome home?

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

5. What does the signal that the man on the roof sees mean?

(see the answer keys)

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