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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. Who accompanies Atreus at his bidding when he goes to make a sacrifice to the gods at the end of the third act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Thyestes' wife.
(b) Thyestes' sons.
(c) Thyestes.
(d) Atreus' sons.

2. What is Atreus celebrating in the beginning of the fifth act of "Thyestes"?
(a) His brother's marriage.
(b) His triumph over his brother.
(c) His reconciliation with his brother.
(d) His son's birthday.

3. In what state is Tantalus in the first act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Imprisoned.
(b) Near death.
(c) Buried alive.
(d) A ghost.

4. How does Thyestes feel about his impending meeting with his brother?
(a) Neutral.
(b) Joyful.
(c) Fearful.
(d) Annoyed.

5. 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 that he is dying.
(d) He has sent word to Thyestes, falsely begging for a reconciliation.

Short Answer Questions

1. Upon what were Thyestes' sons sacrificed?

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

3. In the fourth act of "Phaedra," what new character enters the play?

4. What fate awaits the children of Thyestes?

5. What does Hippolytus prefer over social interactions?

Short Essay Questions

1. Over what is Tantalus agonizing in the afterlife and why?

2. For what reasons did Atreus murder his nephews?

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

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

5. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

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

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

8. 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?

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

10. Describe the murders of Thyestes' sons.

(see the answer keys)

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