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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is revealed about Troy in the background of "Troades"?
(a) Troy has been cursed.
(b) Troy has fallen to the Spartans.
(c) Troy is the mightiest city-state in the world.
(d) Troy is blessed by Zeus himself.

2. Who is Oedipus' father in Corinth?
(a) King Atreus.
(b) King Polybus.
(c) King Priam.
(d) King Menelaus.

3. How does Ulysses trick Andromache into revealing Astyanax's location?
(a) He claims Hector's tomb must be torn down.
(b) He watches her eyes as she looks around for him.
(c) He suggests that the boy is a coward.
(d) He pretends to leave but watches her walk into the tomb.

4. Who does Andromache blame for the fall of Troy?
(a) Helen.
(b) Agamemnon.
(c) Paris.
(d) Achilles.

5. According to the ghost, what will end the plague?
(a) Oedipus' departure from Thebes.
(b) Oedipus sacrificing himself to Zeus.
(c) Jocasta's death.
(d) Creon's ascension to the throne.

6. Why does the messenger in the fourth act urge Oedipus to leave the city?
(a) Oedipus must flee the plague.
(b) Oedipus is the reason for the plague.
(c) Oedipus is about to be betrayed.
(d) Oedipus must take Polybus' throne.

7. What does Agamemnon claim as being forbidden, due to shame and honor?
(a) Sacrificing a maiden for Achilles.
(b) Abandoning their dead warriors.
(c) Dishonoring the graves of the fallen Trojans.
(d) Claiming the Trojan women as concubines.

8. What is significant about Polyxena being given a quick death?
(a) It shows the Greeks respected her courage.
(b) Agamemnon defied the demands of the sacrifice for Achilles by not killing her slowly.
(c) The gods were merciful.
(d) She committed suicide.

9. About what does Hector warn Andromache in a dream?
(a) The Greeks will attempt to claim her as a prize.
(b) She must take care of Hecuba.
(c) The Greeks will kill their son.
(d) Polyxena is going to be sacrificed.

10. Why do the Greeks fear Hector's son?
(a) They are afraid he will grow up to be as fierce as his father.
(b) He will be the last rallying point for the Trojans.
(c) He is prophesied to kill them all.
(d) He is part god.

11. What is Tiresias' occupation?
(a) Priest.
(b) Herald.
(c) Prophet.
(d) Weaponsmith.

12. What is Tiresias unable to do in the second act of "Oedipus"?
(a) Explain the Oracle's prophecy.
(b) Authenticate Oedipus' royal blood.
(c) Save Jocasta's life.
(d) Raise Laius' ghost.

13. Whose priests gave Oedipus the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother?
(a) Zeus.
(b) Hephaestus.
(c) Apollo.
(d) Hades.

14. Why can Ulysses not spare Astyanax?
(a) Astyanax needs to join his father in the afterlife.
(b) Calchas demands the sacrifice.
(c) Astyanax can rightfully claim to be an heir to the Spartan throne.
(d) Ulysses will be killed by Agamemnon if he does not comply with orders.

15. According to Pyrrhus, who was most afraid of Achilles?
(a) Hector.
(b) Priam.
(c) Paris.
(d) Agamemnon.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what purpose does Tiresias wish to take a particular action after he is unable to clarify the Oracle's message?

2. What is the chorus in the fifth act of "Oedipus" questioning when they learn about their king's punishment?

3. According to Talthybius, what did a prophet witness that suggests the sea mourns for Achilles?

4. In the fourth act of "Oedipus," what does the titular character recall before his arrival in the city?

5. Why is Pyrrhus angry at Agamemnon?

(see the answer keys)

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