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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the chorus, what is the best way for a man to die?
(a) At home with his family.
(b) Suicide.
(c) In battle.
(d) At sea.

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

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

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

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

6. From where does the messenger in the fourth act come in "Oedipus"?
(a) Thebes.
(b) Corinth.
(c) Sparta.
(d) Troy.

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

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

9. What news does the messenger give Oedipus in the fourth act?
(a) Zeus has ended the plague.
(b) Creon has seized control of Corinth.
(c) Tiresias is a fake.
(d) Polybus has died.

10. Who is Creon?
(a) Oedipus' brother.
(b) Laius' brother.
(c) Jocasta's brother.
(d) Tiresias' brother.

11. Why is Oedipus fearful of returning to his homeland?
(a) He does not want to abandon Thebes.
(b) He is still afraid of the prophecy.
(c) He does not want to be a king.
(d) He does not wish to leave his wife.

12. Who was murdered before the beginning of "Oedipus"?
(a) King Agamemnon.
(b) King Polybus.
(c) King Priam.
(d) King Laius.

13. For what purpose does Tiresias wish to take a particular action after he is unable to clarify the Oracle's message?
(a) Tiresias' willing sacrifice will end the plague.
(b) Zeus will listen to and answer his prayers.
(c) The Oracle can explain herself to him.
(d) The ghost can reveal his murderer.

14. What does Agamemnon claim about Achilles' behavior during battle?
(a) He was a coward.
(b) He won the war for them.
(c) He killed people on both sides of the battle.
(d) He helped the Trojans whenever the Greeks angered him.

15. How does Oedipus punish himself at the end of the play?
(a) He tears out his eyes.
(b) He sacrifices himself to Zeus to end the plague.
(c) He cuts off his hands.
(d) He kills himself.

Short Answer Questions

1. About what does a Trojan elder instruct Andromache to lie?

2. Why is Pyrrhus angry at Agamemnon?

3. What does Oedipus reveal to Jocasta at the end of the play?

4. According to Andromache, what is the worst fate for a Trojan woman?

5. What did the Greeks admire about Polyxena?

(see the answer keys)

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