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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. Whom must Cilissa go fetch?

2. What will Athena appoint to pass judgment on the case between Orestes and the Furies?

3. Where was Orestes when he was told to avenge his father?

4. What must Aegisthus bring with him to the palace?

5. What is the result of the judges' vote after the trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the beginning of "The Eumenides", what is the oracle's vision and what does it mean?

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

3. According to what he tells Electra and the chorus, why is Orestes seeking vengeance for his father's death?

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

5. Why is Clytemnestra's dream significant to Orestes?

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

7. What is the conflict between the Furies and Apollo?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Compare and contrast the reactions of Clytemnestra and Cilissa when they receive false news of Orestes' "death." Consider, then, the words of Apollo in the third play about the roles of the mother and the father in a child's life. What is the play saying about the nature of maternal love? Create a strong thesis and use specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

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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