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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. Over what is Tantalus anguishing in the beginning of "Thyestes"?
(a) The Greek's plot against his sons.
(b) The sins of his sons.
(c) The death of his wife.
(d) His suicide.

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

3. What is Phaedra doing in the beginning of the fifth act?
(a) Cutting and burning her hair.
(b) Mourning Hippolytus.
(c) Attempting suicide.
(d) Seducing Theseus.

4. How was young Tantalus murdered?
(a) He was drowned.
(b) He was thrown from a tower.
(c) His throat was cut.
(d) He was disemboweled.

5. What emotion is Thyestes mysteriously experiencing in the beginning of the last act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Grief.
(b) Happiness.
(c) Anger.
(d) Triumph.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Phaedra's confidante try to dissuade her from doing?

2. How does Atreus protect his sons from sharing the blame for his plot against Thyestes?

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

4. What does Phaedra's nurse lament in the beginning of the second act?

5. Why does Atreus not fear his subjects' favor?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

5. Describe the backstory to "Phaedra."

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

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

8. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

9. What is significant about Theseus' return from the underworld in regards to the plot in "Phaedra"?

10. What do Thyestes and his children believe about their upcoming meeting with Atreus?

(see the answer keys)

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