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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. What is the main conflict between Athena and the Furies?
(a) The Furies wish for Athena to join 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 want to overthrow Zeus, but Athena will not allow them.

2. How does Orestes introduce himself to Athena?
(a) He tells her he is Clytemnestra's son.
(b) He tells her he is Atreus's grandson.
(c) He tells her he is Agamemnon's son.
(d) He tells her he is Electra's brother.

3. What is heard from inside the palace after Aegisthus enters it?
(a) Aegisthus screaming as he is being murdered.
(b) Electra screaming as Aegisthus murders her.
(c) Pylades is screaming as Aegisthus murders him.
(d) Orestes screaming as he is murdered by Aegisthus.

4. Who is the oracle?
(a) A priest who speaks to the gods.
(b) A priestess of Hera.
(c) A woman who prophesizes from the gods.
(d) Orestes' sister.

5. Why is it important that Athena know about Orestes' familial relations?
(a) Athena favors Electra as a priestess.
(b) Athena favored Clytemnestra above all other queens.
(c) Athena favored Agamemnon during the Trojan War.
(d) Athena cursed Atreus.

Short Answer Questions

1. What false news does the disguised Orestes give Clytemnestra?

2. What must Aegisthus bring with him to the palace?

3. Where does the second part of "The Eumenides" take place?

4. For what does the chorus pray in the third part of the second play?

5. Why should Apollo's claim about the nature of parenthood appeal to Athena?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Orestes defend himself in his trial?

3. What does Orestes find ironic about the deaths of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra?

4. According to what he tells Electra and the chorus, why is Orestes seeking vengeance for his father's death?

5. How does Clytemnestra attempt to defend herself against Orestes in the last part of "The Libation Bearers"?

6. In the beginning of "The Eumenides", what is the oracle's vision and what does it mean?

7. Who is revealed to be encouraging the Furies to hunt Orestes and why?

8. Why does Apollo appear to Orestes while at Delphi?

9. Why do the Furies claim Orestes' journey to Athens has been useless when they catch up with him in the second part of "The Eumenides"?

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

(see the answer keys)

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