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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. Where was Orestes when he was told to avenge his father?
(a) Ithaca.
(b) Athens.
(c) The oracle at Delphi.
(d) Sparta.

2. What do Orestes and Electra ask of their father's spirit?
(a) They ask for release.
(b) They ask for safe passage to the castle.
(c) They ask for forgiveness.
(d) They ask for strength and guidance.

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

4. What will Athena appoint to pass judgment on the case between Orestes and the Furies?
(a) A council of king.
(b) A council of gods.
(c) A court of all spirits affected by Orestes' murder of Clytemnestra.
(d) A council of Athens' elders.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In the last part of "The Eumenides", why does Apollo appear in the court?

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

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

4. From where has Athena flown when she makes her entrance?

5. Whom must Cilissa go fetch?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the Furies and why are they tormenting Orestes at the end of "The Libation Bearers"?

2. Why does Orestes decide to go back to the oracle?

3. After receiving false news in the third part of the second play, what is Clytemnestra's reaction to news of Orestes' supposed death?

4. How does the chorus know that Aegisthus is being murdered?

5. What was Clytemnestra's dream?

6. What ends up being the fate of the Furies at the end of the play?

7. Why is it important that Orestes tell Athena who his father was when the goddess comes to him?

8. How does Orestes defend himself in his trial?

9. Why is Clytemnestra's dream significant to Orestes?

10. What does Athena decide to do about judging the case between Orestes and the Furies?

(see the answer keys)

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