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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what does Aegisthus thank the gods in the fifth part of the first play?

2. What, according to the herald, is worth the suffering of the soldiers?

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

4. To Aegisthus's consternation, of what does the chorus remind him?

5. What does Agamemnon think about this particular welcome home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Electra supposed to do at her father's tomb?

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

3. How does Cassandra describe Apollo and why?

4. Why does Cassandra finally walk into the palace?

5. What is the continuing theme among the chorus as to what happened to Troy and why?

6. What are the disputes amongst the chorus when they hear Agamemnon screaming from inside the palace?

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

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

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

10. What are Agamemnon's feelings about Troy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the use of dramatic irony within "The Oresteia". What characters seem to be the victims of this? Why can these characters never truly fulfill their goals? City specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Is "The Oresteia" inherently misogynistic? Create a strong thesis (it is suggested that this thesis be centered on the characters for the sake of clarity) arguing that "The Oresteia" is or is not misogynistic. Points to consider are the treatment of Clytemnestra by the chorus, the role of Aegisthus, and Apollo's views on parents in the third play.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the reactions the chorus and Orestes have to Clytemnestra's relationship with Aegisthus. Conversely, look at how the chorus and Clytemnestra treat Agamemnon when he reveals that he has brought Cassandra back with him as a concubine. What do these differing reactions signify about the roles of men and women in this play? Are these a reflection of the time? Bear in mind that in the first play the chorus is comprised of old men. Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

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