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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. To whom does Orestes pray while at his father's tomb?

2. To what does the chorus compare Troy after the herald exits?

3. Who is the first character to speak in "The Oresteia"?

4. What gift did Apollo give Cassandra before the events of The Oresteia?

5. In the first part of the first play, what does the chorus say of Agamemnon's fate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the chorus call out for Orestes to return home at the end of the first play?

2. For what is the herald giving thanks during his entrance?

3. What is the dispute Agamemnon and Clytemnestra have about his homecoming?

4. What is the continuing theme among the chorus as to what happened to Troy and why?

5. What is Electra supposed to do at her father's tomb?

6. What is Clytemnestra's vision for the future after the death of Agamemnon?

7. What are the chorus's opinions on Paris and his actions in the second part of "The Agamemnon"?

8. What is the Watchman's duty at the beginning of "The Agamemnon"?

9. Why does Cassandra finally walk into the palace?

10. How does Clytemnestra describe her life to her husband during Agamemnon's absence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is "The Oresteia" inherently misogynistic? Create a strong thesis (it is suggested that this thesis be centered on the characters for the sake of clarity) arguing that "The Oresteia" is or is not misogynistic. Points to consider are the treatment of Clytemnestra by the chorus, the role of Aegisthus, and Apollo's views on parents in the third play.

Essay Topic 2

The language of "The Oresteia" alternates between being simple dialogue and poetically complicated. Discuss the use of language in the following format:

Part 1) The chorus invoking the gods.

Part 2) The simple exchanges of dialogue.

Part 3) The stylized speeches of Cassandra and the Furies.

Cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

1) The description of Clytemnestra being "god abandoned."

2) Clytemnestra's relationship with Aegisthus.

3) The use of the Trojan women as the chorus in the second play.

(see the answer keys)

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