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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 Clytemnestra particularly take offense with the chorus while reveling in her triumph?

2. What does Clytemnestra remind the chorus to do after Aegisthus's outburst?

3. What city does Clytemnestra describe as being ruined, burned, and full of mourning for the dead?

4. For what does the herald thank the gods?

5. What does Clytemnestra wish for herself and her country at the end of the Agamemnon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What message does Clytemnestra send with the herald to Agamemnon?

2. What is Clytemnestra's vision for the future after the death of Agamemnon?

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

4. What feelings does the Watchman have while on the roof in the beginning of the play?

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

6. What are Agamemnon's feelings about Troy?

7. Why did Agamemnon go to Troy?

8. How does Cassandra describe Apollo and why?

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

10. For what is Agamemnon praised and what is his response when he returns to Mycenae?

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

When the Greek tragedies were first written, the stories and characters were well known to the audiences, which is why "The Oresteia" has a fairly complicated web of plot lines, history, and characters. Luckily, for modern audiences who may not be as familiar with these stories, though, characters, especially the chorus, offer insight and back stories in what is about to take place. Discuss the use of exposition in "The Oresteia". Does it add to or subtract from the content of the play? Is it strictly necessary to be familiar already with these stories? Why? Cite specific examples from the text to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of foreshadowing in "The Oresteia". What different forms are used to convey the foreshadowing? How does the heightened language of the play help? How do the chorus and Cassandra's prophecy foreshadow the coming events? Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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