View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who commanded Orestes to seek vengeance for his father's death?

2. What does Orestes believe about the vision he is having at the end of "The Libation Bearers"?

3. What is coming true for Clytemnestra in the fourth part of "The Libation Bearers"?

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

5. From where has Athena flown when she makes her entrance?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does the chorus know that Aegisthus is being murdered?

4. How does Clytemnestra attempt to defend herself against Orestes in the last part 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. After he is freed at the end of "The Oresteia", what does Orestes claim to want for the future?

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

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

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

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

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

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Agamemnon and Clytemnestra's conflict about how he is welcomed home from war.

2) The role of the Furies in this tragedy.

3) Athena's decision that a council of mortals needs to decide Orestes' fate.

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)

This section contains 1,003 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample