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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. Who is the father of Tantulus?

2. In the second act of "Thyestes," how does Atreus plan to wreak vengeance against his brother?

3. Why does Atreus not fear his subjects' favor?

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

5. What does Atreus do to his nephews' bodies?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the murders of Thyestes' sons.

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

4. Upon what does Thyestes unknowingly feast and how does it make him feel before he learns the truth of his brother's treachery?

5. What plot does Atreus form against his brother and why?

6. What does Atreus offer his brother during their false reconciliation and how does Thyestes react to the gifts?

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

8. Describe Theseus' conflicting emotions over the death of his son and upon learning of his wife's deception.

9. Discuss the backstory of the House of Pelops.

10. What is the chorus at the end of the first act of "Phaedra" singing about and how does it relate to the action of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the consequences of war dealt with in "Troades"? Why is it important to note that the women realize that the Trojan men who fell in battle have fared better in life than they? How is this related to the drawing of lots in order for the Greeks to claim different women? How do the deaths of Astyanax and Polyxena factor into this? What does this suggest about Seneca's views on war?

Essay Topic 2

In "Oedipus," discuss the connection between vision and knowledge. Develop a clear thesis statement around this topic. Why is it significant that Tiresias is blind? What are some references to Oedipus being unable to see the truth? How is this related to the statement from Tiresias that "[Oedipus] wilt look with envy upon these ills for which thou seekest aid"? How does this ultimately relate to Oedipus blinding himself? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the roles of lies in the Senecan tragedy in the following format:

Part 1) Atreus and Tantalus.

Part 2) Phaedra framing Hippolytus for rape.

Part 3) Andromache's attempts to save her son.

Part 4) Creon and shepherd's attempted lies by omission.

Part 5) The differences between lying for gain and lying for good.

In the final section, use the first four parts to help provide examples in this comparison. As always, cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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