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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whom does Hippolytus pray in the preface of "Phaedra"?

2. Upon whom must Tantalus loose the Fury?

3. When Hippolytus rebuffs Phaedra, how does she react?

4. Who enters at the end of the second act of "Phaedra"?

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"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

5. Describe the murders of Thyestes' sons.

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

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

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

9. Discuss the character of Atreus.

10. For what reasons did Atreus murder his nephews?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of insatiable wants as seen in "Thyestes" in the following format:

Part 1) Tantalus' punishment.

Part 2) Atreus' need for more power.

Part 3) Thyestes' misgivings about his brother versus his acceptance of the reconciliation.

Part 4) Thyestes' belief that two men cannot rule equally.

Part 5) The tragedies and corruption that spring from greed.

Essay Topic 2

Compare the symbolism of hunting to the savagery of modern civilization in a brief essay, as seen in "Phaedra." Be sure to discuss (though not exclusively) the irony of Hippolytus acting as the most civilized of the characters, Theseus' prayer, and Phaedra's attempts to claim Hippolytus for herself. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Write a brief essay about whether Oedipus and Jocasta deserve to be punished for their inadvertent incest. Discuss Jocasta's statement, "Fate is that fault of thine: by fate no one is made guilty" in relation to your thesis statement. Be sure to discuss the murder of Laius and how it has affected Oedipus throughout the years, as well as Tiresias and Creon's beliefs that Oedipus should remain ignorant of his parentage. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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