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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To whom do Thyestes and Atreus drink a toast in the fifth act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Pelops.
(b) The gods.
(c) Tantalus.
(d) Each other.

2. Before his brother's treachery is revealed in the fifth act, what does Thyestes admit to being upset about in regards to his supposed reconciliation to Atreus?
(a) They could not have reconciled earlier.
(b) Atreus' sons are not present to meet their uncle.
(c) His sons are not there to share the joy.
(d) Their father could not have lived to see them reconcile.

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

4. At the end of the third act of "Phaedra," the chorus cries, "Why dost thou dwell afar,/ All too indifferent to men,/ Not anxious to bring blessing to the good,/ And to the evil, bane"? About what is the chorus lamenting?
(a) Hippolytus has been murdered.
(b) Phaedra falsely accused Hippolytus of rape.
(c) Phaedra has committed suicide.
(d) Hippolytus has tried to kill his father.

5. In the second act of "Thyestes," how does Atreus plan to wreak vengeance against his brother?
(a) Thyestes will be tricked into eating his own children.
(b) Thyestes will be dragged to death by his horses.
(c) Thyestes will be burned alive.
(d) Thyestes will be blinded.

6. Why does Atreus not fear his subjects' favor?
(a) He believes he is their supreme ruler.
(b) He knows they do not care for his brother.
(c) He knows they will always be loyal to him.
(d) He believes they will never know about his misdeeds.

7. What parts of Thyestes' sons are presented to Thyestes as a gift?
(a) Their hearts.
(b) Their livers.
(c) Their hands.
(d) Their heads.

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

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

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

11. Who did Tantalus serve as a meal to the gods?
(a) Pelops.
(b) Plisthenes.
(c) Thyestes.
(d) Atreus.

12. What does Phaedra's nurse lament in the beginning of the second act?
(a) Theseus' death.
(b) Phaedra's planned suicide.
(c) Hippolytus' disdain of women.
(d) Phaedra's plan to seduce Hippolytus.

13. Why does the nurse claim to be dressed in a particular manner in the third act of "Phaedra"?
(a) She is going to be wed.
(b) She has joined the temple of Apollo.
(c) Phaedra wants to die.
(d) She is joining the hunt.

14. Why was Hippolytus trapped upon his horse before his death?
(a) He fell and became tangled in the reins.
(b) His sword became ensnared with the horse's mane.
(c) He could not dismount.
(d) His saddle was sabotaged.

15. What does the nurse show Theseus when he demands to know why Phaedra is determined to die in the third act?
(a) Phaedra's torn dress.
(b) Hippolytus' sword.
(c) The blood on their bedsheets.
(d) Hippolytus' armor.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the start of "Phaedra," where is Theseus?

2. In what state is Tantalus in the first act of "Thyestes"?

3. How does Atreus plan to lure Thyestes to his castle?

4. How does Hippolytus feel when he learns that Phaedra desires him?

5. Who is the father of Tantulus?

(see the answer keys)

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