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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Atreus protect his sons from sharing the blame for his plot against Thyestes?
(a) Atreus lies to them about his plan.
(b) Atreus keeps them completely ignorant of the plan.
(c) Atreus pleads with Zeus to keep them ignorant.
(d) Atreus sends them away.

2. How does Atreus plan to lure Thyestes to his castle?
(a) He has sent word to Thyestes that he wants to abdicate the throne.
(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 groom his oldest nephew to be his heir.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Although he refuses to grant Phaedra a proper burial, what does Theseus plan to do at the end of the play?

2. At the end of the second act of "Phaedra," in what does the chorus hope Hippolytus will find comfort?

3. What does Atreus offer to Thyestes when the latter apologizes for his misdeeds against him?

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

5. What must Atreus convince Thyestes to accept in the third act of "Thyestes"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Theseus plan to do at the end of "Phaedra" in regards to his dead family and why?

2. Of what does Hippolytus' nurse try to convince Phaedra in the first act?

3. How is Theseus manipulated into believing his son raped Phaedra?

4. What does Atreus claim about Thyestes' grief at the end of "Thyestes"?

5. What does Atreus offer his brother during their false reconciliation and how does Thyestes react to the gifts?

6. What plot does Atreus form against his brother and why?

7. Why does Phaedra wear hunting garb in the second act?

8. In what conflicting moods does Thyestes find himself as he travels to Argos?

9. Describe Hippolytus' preferences in life and how he is at odds with other people over it.

10. What is the chorus at the end of the first act of "Phaedra" singing about and how does it relate to the action of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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