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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. What false news does the disguised Orestes give Clytemnestra?

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

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

4. What does Athena proclaim before the judges announce their vote at the end of "The Eumenides"?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. After receiving false news in the third part of the second play, what is Clytemnestra's reaction to news of Orestes' supposed death?

3. What does Orestes find ironic about the deaths of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra?

4. How does Orestes defend himself in his trial?

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

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

7. What does Apollo say about the rights of parents during Orestes' trial?

8. According to their words in the second part of the third play, what do the Furies believe about their rights?

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

10. Who is revealed to be encouraging the Furies to hunt Orestes and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Clytemnestra and Orestes are two of the main characters upon which "The Oresteia" is centered. Discuss the following:

Part 1) Compare and contrast Clytemnestra and Orestes.

Part 2) How do their missions of vengeance differ and how do the gods (including the Furies) look upon them?

Part 3) Orestes' exile by Clytemnestra and how it affects the outcome of the play.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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