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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. To whom does Orestes pray when he arrives at the destination Apollo sent him to?

2. How does Orestes convince Electra that he is her brother when they find each other at Agamemnon's tomb?

3. Why is it important that Athena know about Orestes' familial relations?

4. What is the main conflict between Athena and the Furies?

5. What does Orestes promise Zeus if he succeeds in his revenge?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it important that Orestes tell Athena who his father was when the goddess comes to him?

2. How does Orestes defend himself in his trial?

3. What are the Furies and why are they tormenting Orestes at the end of "The Libation Bearers"?

4. What ends up being the fate of the Furies at the end of the play?

5. What was Clytemnestra's dream?

6. What does Orestes mean when he cries out to Zeus in the second part of "The Libation Bearers"?

7. How does the chorus influence Cilissa when she enters?

8. Why do the Furies claim Orestes' journey to Athens has been useless when they catch up with him in the second part of "The Eumenides"?

9. What does Athena decide to do about judging the case between Orestes and the Furies?

10. After he is freed at the end of "The Oresteia", what does Orestes claim to want for the future?

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

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 3

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.

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