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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. In the first part of the first play, according to Clytemnestra, what does Agamemnon have yet to endure?

2. For what does the leader of the chorus praise Agamemnon upon his return?

3. To whom does Orestes pray while at his father's tomb?

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

5. What reasoning did Clytemnestra give for exiling a certain person before the events of "The Agamemnon"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the herald's thoughts on the effects of the war?

2. What is the dispute Agamemnon and Clytemnestra have about his homecoming?

3. How does Clytemnestra describe her life to her husband during Agamemnon's absence?

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

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

6. Why does the chorus call out for Orestes to return home at the end of the first play?

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

8. For what does Clytemnestra take particular offense with the chorus in the last part of "The Agamemnon"?

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

10. Why did Agamemnon go to Troy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the roles of justice and revenge in "The Oresteia"? What are the differences between the two? What characters seek justice and what characters seek revenge? How does this reflect upon the play cycle as a whole? Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Oresteia", the women are the ones who are depicted as seeking revenge. With this in mind, what is the play attempting to say about women? Create a strong thesis. Points to consider include:

1) Clytemnestra's revenge for her daughter's death.

2) Cassandra's visions and her prayers that her death will be avenged.

3) The Furies as bloodthirsty, vengeful goddesses.

4) Orestes' quest of revenge.

5) The roles of Athena and Apollo in Orestes' plight.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Oresteia", what is the relationship between the gods and men? Consider how Apollo and Athena interact with the mortals versus the way the Furies act. How do the humans pray to the gods? How do the gods feel about the humans and vice versa? Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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