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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What has Electra been forced to do in the years since her father's death?
(a) Mourn him in secret.
(b) Treat Aegisthus as her father.
(c) Disown her father.
(d) Disown her brother.

2. What is coming true for Clytemnestra in the fourth part of "The Libation Bearers"?
(a) A prophecy revealed by Demeter.
(b) A curse passed on by Apollo.
(c) Her dream about the snake.
(d) A blessing given to her by Hera.

3. What does Orestes remind his mother of when she pleads for her life?
(a) His love for her.
(b) Her sins.
(c) Electra's inability to mourn for her father.
(d) The gods' will.

4. What do the Furies tell Apollo about their hunt for Orestes?
(a) It is their right to punish those who murder their mothers.
(b) It is their right to hunt someone who has left his sister an orphan.
(c) It is their right to hunt whom they please.
(d) It is their right to avenge the death of Iphigenia upon anyone connected.

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

6. What do the Furies turn into at Athena's behest at the very end of The Oresteia?
(a) They become agents aiming for the betterment of the world.
(b) They allow themselves to dissolve into nothingness.
(c) They become agents of Athena's warriors.
(d) They become messengers alongside Hermes.

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

8. What does Athena decide about the case presented to her by Orestes and the Furies?
(a) She sides with Orestes.
(b) She sides with the Furies.
(c) It is not part of her divine right to judge this case.
(d) She sides with Orestes, but refuses to grant him sanctuary.

9. For what does the chorus pray in the third part of the second play?
(a) They pray that Orestes will have his revenge successfully.
(b) They pray that Zeus will stop the plot.
(c) They pray that the entire royal family will perish.
(d) They pray that Orestes will die in his revenge attempt.

10. What is the question on the chorus's mind after Orestes flees the palace?
(a) They wonder who will take the throne in Mycenae.
(b) They wonder if Electra will follow her brother.
(c) They wonder if the family will ever break their curse.
(d) They wonder if Orestes was truly ordered by the gods to avenge Agamemnon.

11. What do the Furies complain about when they awaken in the beginning of "The Eumenides"?
(a) The younger gods.
(b) Orestes.
(c) The elder gods.
(d) The Ancients.

12. What question does Orestes ask Pylades while confronted by his mother?
(a) He does not know whether he should kill his mother or spare her.
(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 if Zeus is truly watching.

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

14. What is the result of the judges' vote after the trial?
(a) The vote is in favor of Orestes.
(b) The vote is in favor of the Furies.
(c) The judges did not vote as they wished to avoid the wrath of the Furies and of the gods.
(d) The vote is divided evenly.

15. What does Orestes promise Zeus if he succeeds in his revenge?
(a) He will worship the gods as humbly as he can.
(b) He will build a grand altar for Zeus.
(c) He will live anonymously and wisely.
(d) He will restore the glory of their name.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do the Furies complain about when Athena leaves in the second part of the third play?

2. What will Athena appoint to pass judgment on the case between Orestes and the Furies?

3. According to the chorus, to what did Clytemnestra give birth in her dream?

4. What is revealed with Orestes in the fourth part of "The Libation Bearers"?

5. To whom does the oracle pray after her vision in the beginning of The Eumenides?

(see the answer keys)

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