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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. 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"?

2. Whom does Tantalus attempt to warn about their impending deaths?

3. Upon what did Hippolytus' horses run when escaping the attacking creature?

4. In the fourth act of "Phaedra," what new character enters the play?

5. What does Atreus do to his nephews' bodies?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the backstory to "Phaedra."

5. Discuss the character of Atreus.

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

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

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

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

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 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 2

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 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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