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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What must Atreus convince Thyestes to accept in the third act of "Thyestes"?
(a) Gold.
(b) A wife.
(c) The position of head advisor.
(d) Half of the crown.

2. What is Phaedra's relationship to Hippolytus?
(a) She is his sister.
(b) She is his stepmother.
(c) She is his mother.
(d) She is his stepsister.

3. Who commands Tantalus to cast his chaos upon others?
(a) The Fury.
(b) The Gorgons.
(c) Hades.
(d) Zeus.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the nurse show Theseus when he demands to know why Phaedra is determined to die in the third act?

2. How was young Tantalus murdered?

3. To whom does Hippolytus pray in the preface of "Phaedra"?

4. At the end of "Thyestes," what does the titular character entrust to the gods?

5. What reason does Atreus give for hating the three boys?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

2. Why does Phaedra wear hunting garb in the second act?

3. How does Hippolytus die in "Phaedra"?

4. Describe Hippolytus' preferences in life and how he is at odds with other people over it.

5. What does Atreus claim about Thyestes' grief at the end of "Thyestes"?

6. Discuss the character of Atreus.

7. In what conflicting moods does Thyestes find himself as he travels to Argos?

8. Over what is Tantalus agonizing in the afterlife and why?

9. How is Theseus manipulated into believing his son raped Phaedra?

10. What happens when Phaedra reveals to Hippolytus her attraction for him?

(see the answer keys)

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