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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. When does the second play take place?
(a) Hours after Agamemnon's death.
(b) Several days after Agamemnon's death.
(c) Weeks after Agamemnon's death.
(d) Several years after Agamemnon's death.

2. For what does the leader of the chorus praise Agamemnon upon his return?
(a) His captive, Cassandra.
(b) His continued piety to the gods.
(c) Victory with Troy.
(d) His continued fealty to his people.

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

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

5. What has Clytemnestra placed at all the shrines in Mycenae?
(a) Offerings to the gods.
(b) Maidens to pray.
(c) Blasphemous offerings.
(d) Guards.

Short Answer Questions

1. While mourning her father at his grave, what does Electra pray for the most?

2. What is Cassandra's last vision in "The Agamemnon"?

3. What does the herald ask of the gods?

4. According to the chorus of women, what will atone for the murder of Agamemnon?

5. What gift did Apollo give Cassandra before the events of The Oresteia?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What visions does Cassandra see when she looks at the palace?

3. What are Agamemnon's feelings about Troy?

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

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

6. How does the chorus compare life to a ship at sea during "The Agamemnon"?

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

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

9. Why did Agamemnon go to Troy?

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

(see the answer keys)

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