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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 does Medea first consent to leave her home and meet with the chorus?

2. Why doesn't Creon trust Medea's reasons for allowing her to stay?

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

4. Why does Medea have no choice but to trust Jason?

5. What does the chorus comment that they can hear in Medea's cries?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how the princess and Creon die.

2. Do you agree or disagree with Creon's decision to banish Medea? Why or why not?

3. What similarities are evident in the characters of Jason and Medea?

4. Why does the King of Corinth think it is a good idea to send Medea into exile?

5. Why is Medea's position as an outsider in Corinth so important to her and the chorus?

6. Why does the author make sure to establish the fact that women are treated poorly by men?

7. Why does Medea refuse to give Jason the bodies of their children?

8. Does the Nurse find Medea sympathetic? Why or why not?

9. Medea is clearly a very proud character, so what do you think motivates her to beg Creon on her knees for more time before being forced into exile?

10. Is there merit to Medea's final justification to the chorus about why she must kill her children? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is betrayal handled as a theme in the play? Be sure to include specific details of which characters betray one another, and whether there are patterns at play. What point is the author trying to make about betrayal?

Essay Topic 2

Explain how "deus ex machina" is used in classical Greek plays. What is the purpose of the mechanic? How common is it? Why would an author choose to use this mechanic?

Essay Topic 3

Shed light on how the "deus ex machina" mechanic is used by the author to change the audience's perception of Medea and her behavior. Does this seem natural within the play or contrived? Is it effective as a method for changing the audience's perception of the character?

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