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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what state is Orestes' old nurse, Cilissa, upon hearing that Orestes was murdered?
(a) She is confused.
(b) She is distraught.
(c) She is relieved.
(d) She is happy.

2. What does Aegisthus claim after his entrance in "The Libation Bearers"?
(a) He cannot be fooled.
(b) He is the father of Orestes.
(c) He is thrice blessed by the gods.
(d) He is the wisest man in Mycenae.

3. What would happen to Orestes if he did not take revenge upon his mother, according the oracle?
(a) Electra would die.
(b) Agamemnon would suffer in Hades.
(c) Orestes' own life would be cursed.
(d) Aegisthus would murder Clytemnestra.

4. Who is the oracle?
(a) A priestess of Hera.
(b) A woman who prophesizes from the gods.
(c) Orestes' sister.
(d) A priest who speaks to the gods.

5. About whom was the oracle's vision?
(a) Electra.
(b) Agamemnon.
(c) Clytemnestra.
(d) Orestes and the Furies.

6. Where does the beginning of "The Eumenides" take place?
(a) Sparta.
(b) Delphi.
(c) Athens.
(d) Mycenae.

7. Why does Orestes wish to return to the oracle at the end of "The Libation Bearers"?
(a) He wants to be reassured that he did the right thing.
(b) He wants to receive punishment for his deeds.
(c) He wants to receive absolution for his deeds.
(d) He wants another prophecy revealed to him.

8. What does Athena name the judges who will vote on whether Orestes is guilty or not in the last part of the third play?
(a) The oracles.
(b) The Eumidagos.
(c) The Colopagus.
(d) The Areopagus.

9. Whose ghost is urging the Eumenides to chase Orestes?
(a) Agamemnon.
(b) Clytemnestra.
(c) Hera.
(d) Electra.

10. What is the main conflict between Athena and the Furies?
(a) The Furies wish for Athena to join them.
(b) They argue about whether the old gods or young gods are more relevant.
(c) The Furies want to overthrow Zeus, but Athena will not allow them.
(d) The Furies believe Athena is unfavorably judging them.

11. What question does Orestes ask Pylades while confronted by his mother?
(a) He does not know if Zeus is truly watching.
(b) He does not know whether he should kill his sister.
(c) He does not know if he should kill himself after his revenge.
(d) He does not know whether he should kill his mother or spare her.

12. What ends up freeing Orestes from the Furies at the end of "The Eumenides"?
(a) The Areopagus votes for Orestes.
(b) Clytemnestra's spirit pleads for her son's freedom.
(c) Agamemnon's spirit asks the Furies to pursue him in Orestes' place.
(d) Athena's vote for Orestes breaks the tie in the Areopagus.

13. According to Apollo, why should Orestes be left alone?
(a) Apollo himself sent Orestes to kill his mother.
(b) Electra would have killed Clytemnestra and Orestes saved her from it.
(c) Orestes was meant to kill his mother a long time ago.
(d) Clytemnestra deserved to die.

14. What does Orestes firmly reinforce while protesting his innocence to the council?
(a) He was acting on Apollo's will.
(b) He was acting on his father's will.
(c) He was acting on Zeus's will.
(d) He was acting on his own will.

15. How does Clytemnestra plead for her life to Orestes?
(a) She reminds Orestes that she is his mother.
(b) She reminds him that Electra will be motherless.
(c) She tells him Iphigenia pleaded for her life before being sacrificed.
(d) She tells Orestes she was ordered by Zeus to kill Agamemnon.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Orestes convince Electra that he is her brother when they find each other at Agamemnon's tomb?

2. Why does Clytemnestra grieve after the false news of her son's death?

3. Where does the action of the third part of "The Libation Bearers" take place?

4. According to Apollo in the first part of the third play, where must Orestes travel?

5. What does Clytemnestra call out for when she hears the noise from inside the palace in the third part of "The Libation Bearers"?

(see the answer keys)

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