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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happened when Polyxena was sacrificed in honor of Achilles?
(a) The gods cried out that she would be avenged.
(b) The tomb soaked up her blood.
(c) Her body was taken away by Apollo.
(d) The land went silent.

2. In the fourth act of "Oedipus," what does the titular character recall before his arrival in the city?
(a) He nearly died on his journey to the city.
(b) He killed a man on his way there.
(c) He was arrested.
(d) He was warned away from Thebes by Zeus.

3. Where does Oedipus send Creon?
(a) Troy.
(b) Corinth.
(c) The Underworld.
(d) The Oracle at Delphi.

4. What does Oedipus wish upon the murderer of Jocasta's late husband?
(a) His prophecy from Apollo.
(b) Torment from Hades.
(c) Subjection to an angry mob of Laius' subjects.
(d) Death.

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

6. What is Talthybius' station among the Greeks?
(a) Priest.
(b) Herald.
(c) Prophet.
(d) Weaponsmith.

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

8. In the second act of "Oedipus," what knowledge does Creon relate that will end the plague?
(a) Oedipus must seek out a special herb.
(b) Laius' murder must be avenged.
(c) Oedipus must make a human sacrifice to Hera.
(d) Jocasta must bear another child.

9. What does the messenger reveal that Oedipus refuses to do in the fifth act?
(a) Free the imprisoned Creon.
(b) Tell Jocasta the truth about their relationship.
(c) Commit suicide.
(d) Flee Thebes.

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

11. What does Hecuba tell the chorus they must not do in regards to Priam?
(a) Betray his memory.
(b) Pity him.
(c) Speak unkindly against him.
(d) Remember him as frail.

12. What does the messenger reveal to Oedipus about his past?
(a) The messenger is Oedipus' father.
(b) Oedipus has no royal blood.
(c) Oedipus' mother is Jocasta.
(d) Oedipus was adopted.

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

14. According to Talthybius, what did a prophet witness that suggests the sea mourns for Achilles?
(a) A tree fell in a storm.
(b) The sea has grown turbulent.
(c) The earth split into two.
(d) An animal fell into the rocks.

15. How did Astyanax's bravery affect Ulysses and the Greeks?
(a) They saluted him.
(b) They mocked him.
(c) They cried out of pity,
(d) They prayed to the gods for mercy.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Calchas, why must Polyxena and Astyanax die?

2. What does Agamemnon claim about Achilles' behavior during battle?

3. From where did Oedipus come?

4. What message does the ghost of Jocasta's husband send?

5. What has happened to the Trojan widows after their army was defeated?

(see the answer keys)

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