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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. When Orestes and Iphigenia are discussing Hellas, Orestes tells Iphigenia that a particular person's end was terrible. Who is Orestes talking about?

2. Who does Iphigenia order to go into the temple and prepare for the sacrifice?

3. Which end of the Crimean Peninsula does the opening scene take place?

4. When Iphigenia is telling the Chorus about her terrible past, she mentions that she would not hold who?

5. What does Orestes call Iphigenia throughout Part 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part 3, after the guards have entered the temple and Iphigenia is alone with the two young strangers, what does she begin asking them about?

2. When Iphigenia enters from the central door of the temple in the beginning of Part 2, why does she say she is sunk in "bitter tears and deep distress"?

3. When Iphigenia is telling about her sorrow, what does she say she can't do for her brother, Orestes?

4. Why does Orestes claim he is an outcast?

5. In Part 5 of Iphigenia in Taurus, what reason does Iphigenia give for binding the stranger's arms with cords?

6. In Part 2, what does Iphigenia say was happening while her father was bringing her to her death?

7. In Part 4, when Iphigenia is telling Pylades the contents of her letter, why does Pylades tell Iphigenia that she has bound him with an easy oath?

8. Describe the conversation that Orestes and Iphigenia have concerning Odysseus during Part 3 of Iphigenia in Taurus.

9. Who gave birth to Artemis and Apollo and what did she do after their birth?

10. At the end of Part 5 of Iphigenia in Taurus, who follows with the procession and how they go into the temple? Why did those that went into the temple go back into the temple?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Right from the beginning of Iphigenia in Taurus, we meet the Chorus, who are basically a group of Greek women who are held captive, just like Iphigenia and are her attendants. The Chorus helps in telling us what is going on and provides eloquent ways of telling us things. The Chorus even has moments that they are lamenting and wishing for home, just like Iphigenia. How does the presence of the Chorus of women help with the development of the story? Do we catch a glimpse of what these women are feeling as well? If so, how and when? When Orestes leaves with Iphigenia, do you think these women long to be with them and do you think they are hopeful about being returned to their homeland? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the play to support your thoughts.

Essay Topic 2

Athena, the goddess of reason, appears at the end of the play, Iphigenia in Taurus. What significance does she play in the story? Why did Athena step in to help Orestes and Iphigenia? What other appearance does Athena make in the story, besides the ending? Do you think she felt like she had to finally free Orestes because she wasn't able to do it fully at his trial? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

In the play, Iphigenia in Taurus, King Thoas is used as a type of comic relief. What evidence from the play supports this idea? Why do you think King Thoas was so trusting of Iphigenia? What gave Iphigenia the courage to lie to King Thoas and do you think she felt any type of remorse doing so? What ideas in the play help develop King Thoas' character? What do you think are some of King Thoas' weaknesses? Use specific examples from the play to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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