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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. For what does the chorus pray in the third part of the second play?

2. What does Clytemnestra call out for when she hears the noise from inside the palace in the third part of "The Libation Bearers"?

3. Where does the action of the third part of "The Libation Bearers" take place?

4. What do the Furies claim about Orestes to Athena?

5. What false news does the disguised Orestes give Clytemnestra?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Orestes decide to go back to the oracle?

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

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

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

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

6. How do Orestes and Pylades get inside the palace?

7. How does Clytemnestra attempt to defend herself against Orestes in the last part of "The Libation Bearers"?

8. Why does Apollo appear to Orestes while at Delphi?

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

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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