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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 is Theseus' first wife?
(a) Jocasta.
(b) Cassandra.
(c) Hyppolyta.
(d) Andromache.

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

3. How does Hippolytus feel when he learns that Phaedra desires him?
(a) Elated.
(b) Humiliated.
(c) Aroused.
(d) Repulsed.

4. Who commands Tantalus to cast his chaos upon others?
(a) The Fury.
(b) The Gorgons.
(c) Hades.
(d) Zeus.

5. How does Atreus protect his sons from sharing the blame for his plot against Thyestes?
(a) Atreus keeps them completely ignorant of the plan.
(b) Atreus sends them away.
(c) Atreus lies to them about his plan.
(d) Atreus pleads with Zeus to keep them ignorant.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Atreus justify his wicked plans against his brother?

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

3. What does Atreus offer to Thyestes when the latter apologizes for his misdeeds against him?

4. Of what does Phaedra's nurse attempt to convince Hippolytus in the second act of "Phaedra"?

5. At the end of the third act of "Phaedra," the chorus cries, "Why dost thou dwell afar,/ All too indifferent to men,/ Not anxious to bring blessing to the good,/ And to the evil, bane"? About what is the chorus lamenting?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Describe the murders of Thyestes' sons.

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

4. Describe the backstory to "Phaedra."

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

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

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

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

9. What does Atreus claim about Thyestes' grief at the end of "Thyestes"?

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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