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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. Which character in "Thyestes" is decapitated?

3. Why was Hippolytus trapped upon his horse before his death?

4. Upon whom must Tantalus loose the Fury?

5. How does Phaedra respond when Theseus demands to know why she is apparently suicidal?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

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

7. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

9. Describe the backstory to "Phaedra."

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Atreus and Phaedra in the following format:

Part 1) Manipulation and lies.

Part 2) Professions of love.

Part 3) Hurt pride.

Part 4) Vengeance.

Part 5) Remorse, or lack thereof.

Develop a thesis statement based on this essay and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the uniqueness of Seneca's language in the following format:

Part 1) The black humor of "Thyestes."

Part 2) Monologues.

Part 3) Lack of dialogue.

Part 4) Expressive, emotional descriptions.

Part 5) Character development or lack thereof.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

What is stoicism? How does this relate to Seneca? How is the Stoic philosophy seen throughout Seneca's plays? Which characters appear to embody stoicism and how does this affect their fate? What does this suggest about Seneca's beliefs? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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