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

2. How does Atreus justify his wicked plans against his brother?
(a) Atreus is free to act because of his brother's actions against him.
(b) Atreus knows his brother is an atheist and will be under no protection.
(c) Atreus believes he is being commanded by the gods.
(d) He claims Thyestes raped his wife.

3. About what act is Theseus manipulated into believing occurred in his absence during the third act of "Phaedra"?
(a) Hippolytus raped Phaedra.
(b) Phaedra had a miscarriage.
(c) Phaedra has attempted suicide.
(d) Hippolytus violently beat Phaedra for insolence.

4. 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 wants to groom his oldest nephew to be his heir.
(c) He has sent word to Thyestes, falsely begging for a reconciliation.
(d) He has sent word to Thyestes that he is dying.

5. Why was Hippolytus trapped upon his horse before his death?
(a) He could not dismount.
(b) His sword became ensnared with the horse's mane.
(c) He fell and became tangled in the reins.
(d) His saddle was sabotaged.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did Tantalus serve as a meal to the gods?

2. When Hippolytus rebuffs Phaedra, how does she react?

3. What does the chorus sing about at the end of the first act of "Phaedra"?

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

5. What is Thyestes doing at the end of the fourth act?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

4. How is Tantalus manipulated into releasing the Fury upon the House of Pelops?

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

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

7. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

8. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

10. For what does Theseus pray at the end of the third act of "Phaedra" and how does the chorus react?

(see the answer keys)

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