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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. According to Hecuba, what was ignored before the fall of Troy?

2. According to Hecuba, what also died on the same day as her warrior son?

3. According to the chorus, what is the best way for a man to die?

4. What does the messenger reveal that Oedipus refuses to do in the fifth act?

5. Who is Creon?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Tiresias summon Laius' ghost?

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

4. Why is Creon reluctant to give Oedipus the information from Laius' ghost?

5. Why does Oedipus refuse to commit suicide?

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

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

8. Why is Oedipus summoned back to Corinth and why is he reluctant to go?

9. Why is Creon sent to Delphi and what does he learn?

10. What does Pyrrhus demand for Achilles and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

In "Oedipus," discuss the connection between vision and knowledge. Develop a clear thesis statement around this topic. Why is it significant that Tiresias is blind? What are some references to Oedipus being unable to see the truth? How is this related to the statement from Tiresias that "[Oedipus] wilt look with envy upon these ills for which thou seekest aid"? How does this ultimately relate to Oedipus blinding himself? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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