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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. Upon what were Thyestes' sons sacrificed?
(a) An altar.
(b) The weapons of their ancestors.
(c) A pyre.
(d) Their grandfather's tomb.

2. How does Hippolytus die?
(a) He is thrown from a cliff.
(b) He is dragged to death on the rocks.
(c) He is dragged into the sea by Neptune's creature.
(d) He is stabbed by his own sword.

3. How does Theseus feel upon learning of his son's death?
(a) Satisfied.
(b) Elated.
(c) Furious at the gods.
(d) Grief-stricken.

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

5. When Hippolytus rebuffs Phaedra, how does she react?
(a) She slanders him.
(b) She attempts suicide.
(c) She flees the city.
(d) She prays for forgiveness.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Hippolytus prefer over social interactions?

3. For what reason does Phaedra dress in a particular manner in the second act?

4. Upon what did Hippolytus' horses run when escaping the attacking creature?

5. How was young Tantalus murdered?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Upon what does Thyestes unknowingly feast and how does it make him feel before he learns the truth of his brother's treachery?

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

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

6. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

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

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

10. Describe the backstory to "Phaedra."

(see the answer keys)

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