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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. In what sort of garb is Phaedra's nurse dressed in the third act?
(a) Hunting garb.
(b) Priestess robes.
(c) Wedding dress.
(d) Mourning garb.

2. What reason does Atreus give for hating the three boys?
(a) The boys tormented Atreus' sons.
(b) They are his brother's sons.
(c) They could change the tide of favor against Atreus.
(d) Atreus was in love with their mother.

3. Whom does Tantalus attempt to warn about their impending deaths?
(a) His nephews.
(b) His sons.
(c) His grandsons.
(d) His cousins.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Phaedra die?

2. For what does Theseus pray at the end of the third act of "Phaedra"?

3. How does Atreus plan to lure Thyestes to his castle?

4. Over what is Tantalus anguishing in the beginning of "Thyestes"?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Discuss the character of Atreus.

5. Describe the murders of Thyestes' sons.

6. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

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

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

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

10. Describe the backstory to "Phaedra."

(see the answer keys)

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