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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. From where did Oedipus come?

2. According to the ghost, what will end the plague?

3. How are the Greeks dividing the captive Trojan women among themselves?

4. According to Pyrrhus, who was most afraid of Achilles?

5. What is the chorus in the fifth act of "Oedipus" questioning when they learn about their king's punishment?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Agamemnon view the dead Achilles?

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

4. How did Oedipus become king of Thebes?

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

6. How does Ulysses trick Andromache at Hector's tomb and why?

7. How and why does Jocasta commit suicide?

8. For what reasons do the Greeks want to sacrifice Astyanax?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of insatiable wants as seen in "Thyestes" in the following format:

Part 1) Tantalus' punishment.

Part 2) Atreus' need for more power.

Part 3) Thyestes' misgivings about his brother versus his acceptance of the reconciliation.

Part 4) Thyestes' belief that two men cannot rule equally.

Part 5) The tragedies and corruption that spring from greed.

Essay Topic 2

What is stoicism? How does this relate to Seneca? How is the Stoic philosophy seen throughout Seneca's plays? Which characters appear to embody stoicism and how does this affect their fate? What does this suggest about Seneca's beliefs? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

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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