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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. What does the herald ask of the gods?

2. How do the women describe Clytemnestra in their first appearance in "The Libation Bearers"?

3. How does Electra know the offering on the tomb came from Orestes?

4. According to the herald and the chorus, what has happened to Agamemnon's brother?

5. What is Cassandra's reaction to Clytemnestra?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What message does Clytemnestra send with the herald to Agamemnon?

3. What are Agamemnon's feelings about Troy?

4. According to the chorus, how must Electra pray?

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

6. How does Cassandra describe Apollo and why?

7. What is Cassandra's curse and why was it placed on her?

8. Why does Aegisthus threaten the chorus?

9. For what is Agamemnon praised and what is his response when he returns to Mycenae?

10. How did Agamemnon make the winds blow so that they might sail to Troy before the events of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Oresteia", what is the relationship between the gods and men? Consider how Apollo and Athena interact with the mortals versus the way the Furies act. How do the humans pray to the gods? How do the gods feel about the humans and vice versa? Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the use of dramatic irony within "The Oresteia". What characters seem to be the victims of this? Why can these characters never truly fulfill their goals? City specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

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This section contains 925 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample