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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 is Andromache jealous of Polyxena?

2. What does Oedipus reveal to Jocasta at the end of the play?

3. What did the Greeks admire about Polyxena?

4. What is Tiresias unable to do in the second act of "Oedipus"?

5. What is significant about Polyxena being given a quick death?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why do the Greeks cry when they take Astyanax?

3. How does Agamemnon view the dead Achilles?

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

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

6. Describe Polyxena's fate.

7. Why are the Greeks unable to leave Troy in the beginning of "Troades"?

8. Why did Oedipus leave Corinth?

9. Why does Oedipus refuse to commit suicide?

10. How and why does Jocasta commit suicide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the circular nature of playwrights influencing each other through authors such as Seneca in the following format:

Part 1) The original versions of these plays.

Part 2) The differences between the original play and Seneca's version.

Part 3) The "revenge play."

Part 4) The use of ghosts.

Part 5) The introduction of onstage violence.

Cite specific examples from Seneca's work to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of corruption within a family in the following format:

Part 1) The House of Pelops.

Part 2) Phaedra's manipulations of Theseus and Hippolytus.

Part 3) The rise of Nero.

Part 4) Octavia's fate.

Part 5) Power and punishments.

Essay Topic 3

What is the debate regarding the performance ability of a Senecan tragedy? How does the emphasis on rhetoric suggest that these plays were meant to be recited? How is this related to the on-stage violence? What are some other suggestions that point to these plays having been written with the intention of being performed? Discuss both sides of this debate in a brief essay and conclude with your opinions on whether Seneca intended for his work to be performed.

(see the answer keys)

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