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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. What does Agamemnon claim about Achilles' behavior during battle?

2. For what purpose does Tiresias wish to take a particular action after he is unable to clarify the Oracle's message?

3. From where did Oedipus come?

4. What is significant about Hecuba's exit at the end of the play?

5. Who was murdered before the beginning of "Oedipus"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Oedipus imprison Creon in the third act?

2. For what reasons does Agamemnon claim to forgo sacrificing a maiden?

3. Who is Hector and why is he important to the Trojans and Greeks?

4. Describe the pestilence in Thebes and how it affects Oedipus.

5. Why does Andromache hide her son from the Greeks?

6. How and why does Jocasta commit suicide?

7. Why did Oedipus leave Corinth?

8. How does Agamemnon view the dead Achilles?

9. What do the shepherd and the messenger reveal to Oedipus about his past?

10. Describe Hecuba's mocking of the Greeks throughout "Troades."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the consequences of war dealt with in "Troades"? Why is it important to note that the women realize that the Trojan men who fell in battle have fared better in life than they? How is this related to the drawing of lots in order for the Greeks to claim different women? How do the deaths of Astyanax and Polyxena factor into this? What does this suggest about Seneca's views on war?

Essay Topic 2

In a brief essay, discuss the role that courage plays in "Troades." Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers. Points to consider include (though not exclusively) Andromache's attempts to hide Astyanax, Hecuba's defiance and frequent insults to the Greeks, and the deaths of Astyanax and Polyxena.

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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