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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. For whom is the chorus crying out to return after the death of Agamemnon?
(a) Orestes.
(b) Menelaus.
(c) Agamemnon
(d) Cassandra.

2. According to the chorus, what is the only thing Electra can pray for while at Agamemnon's grave?
(a) The return of her family.
(b) The death of her father's murderers.
(c) Her own freedom.
(d) Her mother's salvation.

3. What does Orestes leave behind at his father's tomb in tribute ?
(a) A lock of his hair.
(b) A book of verse.
(c) His sister's letters.
(d) His sword.

4. According to the chorus in the second part of the first play, what will always prevail?
(a) Justice.
(b) Vengeance.
(c) Love.
(d) Loyalty.

5. For what does Cassandra pray in the fourth part of the first play?
(a) Agamemnon to survive.
(b) Redemption.
(c) An afterlife.
(d) An easy death.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the first character to speak in "The Oresteia"?

2. What is Aegisthus's reaction when the chorus brings up Clytemnestra and her role in the murders?

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

4. For what does Clytemnestra triumphantly reproach the chorus in the fifth part of "The Agamemnon"?

5. According to the herald and the chorus, what has happened to Agamemnon's brother?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what does the chorus compare Troy and why?

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

3. What news does Clytemnestra bring the chorus in the beginning of "The Agamemnon"?

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

5. What are the chorus's opinions on Paris and his actions in the second part of "The Agamemnon"?

6. Why does Cassandra finally walk into the palace?

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

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

9. What is the dispute Agamemnon and Clytemnestra have about his homecoming?

10. What does Orestes find mysterious about the women approaching Agamemnon's tomb?

(see the answer keys)

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