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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the fourth act of "Phaedra," what new character enters the play?
(a) Theseus' brother.
(b) Hippolytus' wife.
(c) Diana.
(d) The messenger.

2. How does Atreus justify his wicked plans against his brother?
(a) He claims Thyestes raped his wife.
(b) Atreus knows his brother is an atheist and will be under no protection.
(c) Atreus is free to act because of his brother's actions against him.
(d) Atreus believes he is being commanded by the gods.

3. In what sort of garb is Phaedra's nurse dressed in the third act?
(a) Priestess robes.
(b) Wedding dress.
(c) Mourning garb.
(d) Hunting garb.

4. What is Atreus angry about being unable to avenge?
(a) The pestilence deaths of his subjects.
(b) His son's death.
(c) His brother's insults.
(d) His father's death.

5. What does Atreus do to his nephews' bodies?
(a) He feeds them to the pigs.
(b) He buries them.
(c) He prepares them as a meal for their father.
(d) He burns them.

6. What does Atreus offer to Thyestes when the latter apologizes for his misdeeds against him?
(a) To name Thyestes' son as his heir.
(b) Control of the military.
(c) Forgiveness and half the crown.
(d) A wife.

7. How does Theseus feel upon learning of his son's death?
(a) Grief-stricken.
(b) Elated.
(c) Satisfied.
(d) Furious at the gods.

8. How does Hippolytus die?
(a) He is dragged into the sea by Neptune's creature.
(b) He is dragged to death on the rocks.
(c) He is thrown from a cliff.
(d) He is stabbed by his own sword.

9. To whom does Hippolytus pray in the preface of "Phaedra"?
(a) Apollo.
(b) Diana.
(c) Zeus.
(d) Athena.

10. What does Phaedra's confidante try to dissuade her from doing?
(a) Leaving the city to escape her desire.
(b) Acting on her attraction to Hippolytus.
(c) Ignoring her feelings for Hippolytus.
(d) Suicide.

11. Which character in "Thyestes" is decapitated?
(a) Thyestes.
(b) Tantalus.
(c) Plisthenes.
(d) Atreus.

12. In the preface of "Phaedra," what is Hippolytus organizing?
(a) A prayer service.
(b) A hunt.
(c) A battle.
(d) A rebellion.

13. Who is Theseus' first wife?
(a) Hyppolyta.
(b) Jocasta.
(c) Cassandra.
(d) Andromache.

14. For what does Theseus pray at the end of the third act of "Phaedra"?
(a) The death of his son.
(b) Wisdom to deal out justice.
(c) Forgiveness for his failure to stop the assault.
(d) Healing for Phaedra.

15. According to the chorus in the third act of "Phaedra," what no longer governs mankind?
(a) Kindness.
(b) Fate.
(c) Justice.
(d) Love.

Short Answer Questions

1. How was young Tantalus murdered?

2. How does Phaedra die?

3. What reason does Atreus give for hating the three boys?

4. What parts of Thyestes' sons are presented to Thyestes as a gift?

5. How does Atreus protect his sons from sharing the blame for his plot against Thyestes?

(see the answer keys)

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