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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. About whom does the chorus ask the herald for news?

2. What gift did Apollo give Cassandra before the events of The Oresteia?

3. What does Clytemnestra's entrance reveal in the fifth part of "The Agamemnon"?

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

5. Why is the herald so joyful?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are Agamemnon's feelings about Troy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Why does Cassandra finally walk into the palace?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of the chorus in "The Oresteia".

Part 1) Analyze their roles as observers in all three plays.

Part 2) How does the chorus become active participants and characters at certain points?

Part 3) How is the chorus able to act as a guide for the audience and readers?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following options to write about:

1) Agamemnon and women.

2) Clytemnestra's role in setting the Furies upon Orestes.

3) Cassandra's prophecies.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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