View a FREE sample

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 kept Agamemnon from leaving for Troy right away?

3. What does Orestes pray for at the beginning of "The Libation Bearers"?

4. In the first part of the first play, what does the chorus say of Agamemnon's fate?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What news does Clytemnestra bring the chorus in the beginning of "The Agamemnon"?

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

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

4. What does Orestes find mysterious about the women approaching Agamemnon's tomb?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Agamemnon and Clytemnestra's conflict about how he is welcomed home from war.

2) The role of the Furies in this tragedy.

3) Athena's decision that a council of mortals needs to decide Orestes' fate.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the god Apollo. On one hand, he is Orestes' savior, offering his support and guidance of the young man at every turn. On the other hand, Apollo has ruined Cassandra's life, cursing her and allowing Troy to be defeated. Explore the conflicting roles of Apollo and how he has affected the events of "The Oresteia". Cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Create a thesis centered around the argument that a good deal of the problems in "The Oresteia" are the results of a generational conflict. Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments. Points to consider include:

1) The differing approaches to revenge and justice in each generation.

2) The conflict between the elder gods and the younger gods.

3) Athena's peace offering to the Furies at the end of the play.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 932 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample