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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Medea promise she won't hurt Creon?
(a) He is only a father giving away his daughter to a good man.
(b) He has been a friend to her and she wouldn't betray his trust.
(c) He is too powerful and if she tried she would surely fail.
(d) She is afraid of him and his soldiers.

2. What supernatural ability is Medea said to have?
(a) The ability to foretell and change the future.
(b) It's not specifically said, but she is called a witch.
(c) The ability to curse people to die horribly.
(d) She is able to read thoughts and project her own.

3. According to the chorus, what does excessive love bring?
(a) Dangerous passion and foolishness.
(b) Pain for everyone involved.
(c) Destruction of reason.
(d) Either great happiness or great despair.

4. Why does Medea say Creon's mercy was foolish?
(a) One day is enough time to exact her revenge.
(b) One day isn't enough time for her to take care of her children.
(c) Showing mercy is a sign of weakness.
(d) It gives her enough time to break up Jason and his new wife.

5. Who explains why Medea is crying to the chorus?
(a) Medea.
(b) The Nurse.
(c) The Tutor.
(d) The boys.

6. What characters interrupt the Nurse's monologue?
(a) The Tutor and children.
(b) Aegeus and Creon.
(c) Creon and his daughter.
(d) Jason and his lover.

7. What prevents Creon from helping Medea or seeing her point of view?
(a) His beliefs about women and their role in society.
(b) His desire to rid his kingdom of a foreign menace.
(c) His strong friendship with Jason.
(d) His love for his daughter and desire to see her happy.

8. To whom does the Nurse say Medea cries for comfort?
(a) The servants.
(b) Creon.
(c) The gods.
(d) Her children.

9. What word best describes Medea's emotional reaction to Creon?
(a) Contempt.
(b) Glee.
(c) Apathy.
(d) Anger.

10. What has Jason agreed to do while Medea and her children are in exile?
(a) Send letters to Medea's relatives to see if they'll help her.
(b) Support them financially.
(c) Forget about them as if they never existed.
(d) Abstain from having more children.

11. What does Jason offer Medea towards the end of their argument?
(a) A golden ring to sell for money.
(b) Nothing.
(c) An opportunity to stay in the city.
(d) Money to support herself and the children.

12. Why does Jason claim Medea should think his plan is good?
(a) She would like it if love weren't a factor.
(b) It will provide funds for her and her children.
(c) She will be able to travel like she always wanted.
(d) It will free her up to pursue love elsewhere.

13. Who appears to check on Medea after hearing her cries?
(a) Aegeus.
(b) The chorus.
(c) Jason.
(d) Medea's children.

14. In the time the play was written, what would the audience have typically known before coming to the theater?
(a) The end of the story.
(b) The story of the play.
(c) The names of the actors involved.
(d) When to applaud.

15. What does Jason claim motivated him to leave Medea for the princess?
(a) It's the only way for him to advance socially.
(b) He needs money to pay his debts.
(c) He wants a prettier wife.
(d) A desire to better support his family.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Jason say he has done on Medea's behalf?

2. How does Medea think women generally feel?

3. What is the purpose of the first section of the play?

4. Who does Medea curse when she hears the news about the plans for her and her children?

5. What is the Nurse's reaction when she learns what Jason thinks about the plan involving Medea?

(see the answer keys)

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