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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What parts of Thyestes' sons are presented to Thyestes as a gift?
(a) Their hearts.
(b) Their heads.
(c) Their livers.
(d) Their hands.

2. Before his brother's treachery is revealed in the fifth act, what does Thyestes admit to being upset about in regards to his supposed reconciliation to Atreus?
(a) Their father could not have lived to see them reconcile.
(b) Atreus' sons are not present to meet their uncle.
(c) His sons are not there to share the joy.
(d) They could not have reconciled earlier.

3. In the fourth act of "Phaedra," what new character enters the play?
(a) Theseus' brother.
(b) The messenger.
(c) Hippolytus' wife.
(d) Diana.

4. What emotion is Thyestes mysteriously experiencing in the beginning of the last act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Triumph.
(b) Grief.
(c) Happiness.
(d) Anger.

5. Who did Tantalus serve as a meal to the gods?
(a) Pelops.
(b) Atreus.
(c) Plisthenes.
(d) Thyestes.

6. In the preface of "Phaedra," what is Hippolytus organizing?
(a) A battle.
(b) A prayer service.
(c) A rebellion.
(d) A hunt.

7. To whom do Thyestes and Atreus drink a toast in the fifth act of "Thyestes"?
(a) The gods.
(b) Each other.
(c) Pelops.
(d) Tantalus.

8. To whom does Hippolytus pray in the preface of "Phaedra"?
(a) Zeus.
(b) Athena.
(c) Diana.
(d) Apollo.

9. How does Phaedra respond when Theseus demands to know why she is apparently suicidal?
(a) She would rather die than confide in him about the "evil" someone did to her.
(b) She begins to scream.
(c) She tries to make love to him.
(d) She tries to throw herself out the window.

10. Upon what were Thyestes' sons sacrificed?
(a) An altar.
(b) Their grandfather's tomb.
(c) The weapons of their ancestors.
(d) A pyre.

11. At the start of "Phaedra," where is Theseus?
(a) Corinth.
(b) Thebes.
(c) Mount Olympus.
(d) The Underworld.

12. In what sort of garb is Phaedra's nurse dressed in the third act?
(a) Priestess robes.
(b) Wedding dress.
(c) Mourning garb.
(d) Hunting garb.

13. Why was Hippolytus trapped upon his horse before his death?
(a) His saddle was sabotaged.
(b) He fell and became tangled in the reins.
(c) His sword became ensnared with the horse's mane.
(d) He could not dismount.

14. How does Theseus feel upon learning of his son's death?
(a) Elated.
(b) Furious at the gods.
(c) Grief-stricken.
(d) Satisfied.

15. In the second act of "Thyestes," how does Atreus plan to wreak vengeance against his brother?
(a) Thyestes will be dragged to death by his horses.
(b) Thyestes will be blinded.
(c) Thyestes will be tricked into eating his own children.
(d) Thyestes will be burned alive.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Phaedra doing in the beginning of the fifth act?

2. Who accompanies Atreus at his bidding when he goes to make a sacrifice to the gods at the end of the third act of "Thyestes"?

3. How does Thyestes feel about his impending meeting with his brother?

4. Although he refuses to grant Phaedra a proper burial, what does Theseus plan to do at the end of the play?

5. For what reason does Phaedra dress in a particular manner in the second act?

(see the answer keys)

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