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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) Kindness.
(b) Justice.
(c) Fate.
(d) Love.

2. Why does Atreus not fear his subjects' favor?
(a) He believes he is their supreme ruler.
(b) He knows they do not care for his brother.
(c) He believes they will never know about his misdeeds.
(d) He knows they will always be loyal to him.

3. For what does Theseus pray at the end of the third act of "Phaedra"?
(a) Wisdom to deal out justice.
(b) The death of his son.
(c) Healing for Phaedra.
(d) Forgiveness for his failure to stop the assault.

4. At the end of the second act of "Phaedra," in what does the chorus hope Hippolytus will find comfort?
(a) His beauty.
(b) His hunting skills.
(c) His love of the outdoors.
(d) His prayers to Diana.

5. What does Phaedra's nurse lament in the beginning of the second act?
(a) Phaedra's plan to seduce Hippolytus.
(b) Hippolytus' disdain of women.
(c) Theseus' death.
(d) Phaedra's planned suicide.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What emotion is Thyestes mysteriously experiencing in the beginning of the last act of "Thyestes"?

3. In what sort of garb is Phaedra's nurse dressed in the third act?

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

5. In the second act of "Thyestes," how does Atreus plan to wreak vengeance against his brother?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

9. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

10. Describe Theseus' conflicting emotions over the death of his son and upon learning of his wife's deception.

(see the answer keys)

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