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

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

3. 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?

4. Upon whom must Tantalus loose the Fury?

5. In the first act of "Thyestes," what do the Fury claim to have planned for the wrongdoers?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

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

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

5. Discuss the character of Atreus.

6. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

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

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

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

10. Describe the murders of Thyestes' sons.

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

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

What is the link between power and adultery in "Octavia"? How does Nero use the adultery of Octavia's mother against his wife? Why is this hypocritical of him? How does Nero use his adultery to cement his power over Octavia and Rome? Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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