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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Upon what were Thyestes' sons sacrificed?
(a) Their grandfather's tomb.
(b) An altar.
(c) A pyre.
(d) The weapons of their ancestors.

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

3. What reason does Atreus give for hating the three boys?
(a) The boys tormented Atreus' sons.
(b) They could change the tide of favor against Atreus.
(c) Atreus was in love with their mother.
(d) They are his brother's sons.

4. What does Hippolytus prefer over social interactions?
(a) Politics.
(b) Battle.
(c) Meaningless relationships.
(d) The outdoors.

5. Who is the father of Tantulus?
(a) Pan.
(b) Hades.
(c) Zeus.
(d) Poseidon.

6. Which of the following is not one of Thyestes' sons?
(a) Tantalus.
(b) One son stays unnamed.
(c) Agamemnon.
(d) Plisthenes.

7. Although he refuses to grant Phaedra a proper burial, what does Theseus plan to do at the end of the play?
(a) Find a new wife.
(b) Return to the Underworld to be with his son.
(c) Pray for forgiveness.
(d) Grant the innocent Hippolytus a proper burial.

8. Whom does Tantalus attempt to warn about their impending deaths?
(a) His cousins.
(b) His sons.
(c) His nephews.
(d) His grandsons.

9. About what act is Theseus manipulated into believing occurred in his absence during the third act of "Phaedra"?
(a) Phaedra has attempted suicide.
(b) Hippolytus raped Phaedra.
(c) Hippolytus violently beat Phaedra for insolence.
(d) Phaedra had a miscarriage.

10. How does Atreus plan to lure Thyestes to his castle?
(a) He has sent word to Thyestes that he wants to groom his oldest nephew to be his heir.
(b) He has sent word to Thyestes that he is dying.
(c) He has sent word to Thyestes, falsely begging for a reconciliation.
(d) He has sent word to Thyestes that he wants to abdicate the throne.

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

12. Upon whom must Tantalus loose the Fury?
(a) The House of Aeneas.
(b) The House of Priam.
(c) The House of Pelops.
(d) The House of Menelaus.

13. At the start of "Phaedra," where is Theseus?
(a) Thebes.
(b) The Underworld.
(c) Corinth.
(d) Mount Olympus.

14. At the end of the second act of "Phaedra," in what does the chorus hope Hippolytus will find comfort?
(a) His love of the outdoors.
(b) His beauty.
(c) His hunting skills.
(d) His prayers to Diana.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Phaedra die?

2. Of what does Phaedra's nurse attempt to convince Hippolytus in the second act of "Phaedra"?

3. Why does Atreus not fear his subjects' favor?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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