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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. How does Thyestes feel about his impending meeting with his brother?
2. Before his brother's treachery is revealed in the fifth act, what does Thyestes admit to being upset about in regards to his supposed reconciliation to Atreus?
3. In the fourth act of "Phaedra," what new character enters the play?
4. Who is the father of Tantulus?
5. To whom does Hippolytus pray in the preface of "Phaedra"?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe the backstory to "Phaedra."
2. How is Theseus manipulated into believing his son raped Phaedra?
3. Discuss the character of Atreus.
4. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.
5. Describe Theseus' conflicting emotions over the death of his son and upon learning of his wife's deception.
6. Describe Hippolytus' preferences in life and how he is at odds with other people over it.
7. For what does Theseus pray at the end of the third act of "Phaedra" and how does the chorus react?
8. What happens when Phaedra reveals to Hippolytus her attraction for him?
9. Describe the murders of Thyestes' sons.
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 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 2
What does the onstage violence in Seneca's tragedies reveal about Roman society? How does this differ from the original, Greek versions of these plays? What does the escalation of violence in these works suggest about Seneca's intents with these plays? Develop a clear thesis statement on this subject and 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.
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This section contains 1,148 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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