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

2. 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.

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

4. What emotion is Thyestes mysteriously experiencing in the beginning of the last act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Anger.
(b) Happiness.
(c) Grief.
(d) Triumph.

5. What fate awaits the children of Thyestes?
(a) They will be exiled.
(b) They will be buried alive.
(c) Their bodies will be fed to wild animals.
(d) Their bodies will be boiled to pieces.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Phaedra's nurse lament in the beginning of the second act?

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

3. What is Atreus celebrating in the beginning of the fifth act of "Thyestes"?

4. Why does the nurse claim to be dressed in a particular manner in the third act of "Phaedra"?

5. In the first act of "Thyestes," why does Tantalus initially refuse to unleash chaos?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Thyestes and his children believe about their upcoming meeting with Atreus?

2. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

4. What happens when Phaedra reveals to Hippolytus her attraction for him?

5. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

6. For what reasons did Atreus murder his nephews?

7. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

8. What is significant about Theseus' return from the underworld in regards to the plot in "Phaedra"?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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