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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Aegisthus, what actually brought about Agamemnon's death?
(a) The actions of Agamemnon and his father.
(b) Agamemnon's disregard for others.
(c) Clytemnestra's vengeance.
(d) The will of the gods.

2. What does Agamemnon think about this particular welcome home?
(a) He wants his concubine to be impressed.
(b) He is very happy with it.
(c) He does not want his people to think worse of him for being surrounded by indulgence.
(d) He does not want his people to think poorly of him for not having a grand entrance.

3. What does Clytemnestra wish for herself and her country at the end of the Agamemnon?
(a) She wishes to live peacefully.
(b) She wishes to conquer the next city.
(c) She wishes to have another child to take over for her.
(d) She wishes to retire as queen.

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

5. What, according to the herald, is worth the suffering of the soldiers?
(a) Victory at war.
(b) Love.
(c) The homecoming.
(d) The blessings of the gods.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Apollo's reaction to Cassandra not meeting his expectations when he granted her with a gift?

2. After receiving news of the fall of Troy, which Trojan does the chorus agree got what he deserved?

3. After Cassandra enters the castle and their monologue is interrupted, what dispute rises amongst the chorus?

4. What does the herald ask of the gods?

5. How do the women describe Clytemnestra in their first appearance in "The Libation Bearers"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aegisthus claim about himself and about the murders?

2. What is significant about Agamemnon walking into his palace barefoot?

3. What is Cassandra's curse and why was it placed on her?

4. What dispute does Clytemnestra have with the chorus over the consequences of her murdering Agamemnon and Cassandra?

5. What is the Watchman's duty at the beginning of "The Agamemnon"?

6. Why does Clytemnestra lose patience with Cassandra in the fourth part of "The Agamemnon"?

7. What are the herald's thoughts on the effects of the war?

8. What evidence does Electra find that convinces her Orestes has returned to Mycenae?

9. What do the chorus of women comment upon while bewailing their grief over Agamemnon?

10. Why is Orestes praying to Hermes and Zeus at beginning of "The Libation Bearers"?

(see the answer keys)

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