View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

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

3. 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) Atreus' sons are not present to meet their uncle.
(b) His sons are not there to share the joy.
(c) Their father could not have lived to see them reconcile.
(d) They could not have reconciled earlier.

4. What does Phaedra's confidante try to dissuade her from doing?
(a) Leaving the city to escape her desire.
(b) Suicide.
(c) Acting on her attraction to Hippolytus.
(d) Ignoring her feelings for Hippolytus.

5. What creature attacked Hippolytus?
(a) Neptune's sea bull.
(b) A Fury.
(c) Cerberus.
(d) Medusa.

6. How does Thyestes feel about his impending meeting with his brother?
(a) Fearful.
(b) Neutral.
(c) Annoyed.
(d) Joyful.

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

8. What does Phaedra wear in the second act?
(a) Hunting garb.
(b) Mourning clothes.
(c) A wedding dress.
(d) Hippolytus' armor.

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

10. How was young Tantalus murdered?
(a) He was disemboweled.
(b) He was thrown from a tower.
(c) He was drowned.
(d) His throat was cut.

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

12. About what act is Theseus manipulated into believing occurred in his absence during the third act of "Phaedra"?
(a) Hippolytus raped Phaedra.
(b) Hippolytus violently beat Phaedra for insolence.
(c) Phaedra had a miscarriage.
(d) Phaedra has attempted suicide.

13. What is Atreus celebrating in the beginning of the fifth act of "Thyestes"?
(a) His son's birthday.
(b) His triumph over his brother.
(c) His reconciliation with his brother.
(d) His brother's marriage.

14. At the end of the second act of "Phaedra," in what does the chorus hope Hippolytus will find comfort?
(a) His beauty.
(b) His love of the outdoors.
(c) His hunting skills.
(d) His prayers to Diana.

15. What does the chorus sing about at the end of the first act of "Phaedra"?
(a) They sing about the transcendent nature of death.
(b) They sing about how every living creatures will surrender to love eventually.
(c) They sing about the unnatural love Phaedra has for Hippolytus.
(d) They sing about Aphrodite's influence over Phaedra.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What fate awaits the children of Thyestes?

3. How does Phaedra respond when Theseus demands to know why she is apparently suicidal?

4. What does Atreus offer to Thyestes when the latter apologizes for his misdeeds against him?

5. Whom does Tantalus attempt to warn about their impending deaths?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 584 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample