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

2. What is Phaedra's relationship to Hippolytus?
(a) She is his stepmother.
(b) She is his stepsister.
(c) She is his mother.
(d) She is his sister.

3. What does Phaedra's confidante try to dissuade her from doing?
(a) Suicide.
(b) Leaving the city to escape her desire.
(c) Acting on her attraction to Hippolytus.
(d) Ignoring her feelings for Hippolytus.

4. What must Atreus convince Thyestes to accept in the third act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Half of the crown.
(b) A wife.
(c) The position of head advisor.
(d) Gold.

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

Short Answer 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"?

2. What reason does Atreus give for hating the three boys?

3. In the preface of "Phaedra," what is Hippolytus organizing?

4. About what act is Theseus manipulated into believing occurred in his absence during the third act of "Phaedra"?

5. To whom does Phaedra confide her desire for Hippolytus?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

2. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

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

(see the answer keys)

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