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

2. For what does Theseus pray at the end of the third act of "Phaedra"?
(a) Forgiveness for his failure to stop the assault.
(b) Wisdom to deal out justice.
(c) The death of his son.
(d) Healing for Phaedra.

3. Of what does Phaedra's nurse attempt to convince Hippolytus in the second act of "Phaedra"?
(a) He should try to bring his father back from the Underworld.
(b) He should never come back to the city.
(c) He should seek Athena's counsel.
(d) He should become more sociable and try to find love.

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

5. 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"?
(a) Thyestes' wife.
(b) Atreus' sons.
(c) Thyestes.
(d) Thyestes' sons.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Phaedra wear in the second act?

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

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

4. Who is Theseus' first wife?

5. What is Atreus angry about being unable to avenge?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

9. Discuss the character of Atreus.

10. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

(see the answer keys)

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