Oresteia and Greek Drama Tests
Five tests assess Greek theater, the Oresteia, and the trilogy's characters and themes.
Test 1: Essay Questions
Great Books
Mr. Reed
Test #
On this test you must think of the Oresteia trilogy as a single play, a play with three acts. The Agamemnon is Act I, the Libation Bearers Act II, and the Eumenides Act III.
Your answers will be evaluated according to these five criteria:
the plausibility of the answer
the concreteness and thoroughness of the details used to support the answer
the coherence, organization, and unity of the paragraph
the correctness of sentence structure
the correctness of word choice, grammar, usage, punctuation, capitalization and spelling
1.
Who is the protagonist of the Oresteia? Identify your choice in the first sentence of your answer. Then use the rest of the paragraph to defend that choice. Use Aristotle's five criteria for a good protagonist as provided below along with your own understanding of what distinguishes the protagonist from the rest of the characters in any play. The protagonist must not be a perfectly good person brought from prosperity to adversity. The protagonist must not be a bad person passing from adversity to prosperity. The protagonist must not be an utter villain from the start. - The protagonist must have a "tragic flaw," some human frailty that results in pain. The protagonist must be highly renowned, prosperous, or illustrious.
2.
What is the inciting force of the Oresteia? Identify the precise event that is the inciting force and explain how it gets the plot moving - how it ultimately relates to both the protagonist's and the antagonist's actions and/or attitudes.
3.
At what point does the climax take place? Identify the precise event that is the climax and explain the role of both the protagonist and the antagonist in that event.
4.
At what point does the catastrophe take place? Identify the precise event that is the catastrophe. Explain the involvement of and the effect on the protagonist.
5.
What statement (or observation) about the human condition does the playwright seem to be making? Begin by writing a single sentence that clearly and directly makes that statement. Offer evidence from each "act" of the Oresteia to support your assertion.
Test 1: Answer Sheet
Great Books
Mr. Reed
Name
Date Period
Test #
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Test 2: Short Answers, Interpretation, and Essays
Great Books
Mr. Reed
Test #
I. Short answer
1.
What replaced suspense in ancient Greek plays?
2.
Which citizens could not serve as actors?
3.
From the worship of which Olympian god did Greek drama arise?
4.
What title does Thespis merit?
5.
What is defined as "the purging of the spectators' emotions?
6.
What device did Greek actors use to express emotions that distant spectators could see?
7.
What was a Greek actor's most valuable asset? 8 - 10. List Aristotle's "Three Unities" by their titles.
II. Throughout the next three sections you will be asked to regard the Oresteia as a single play. From that perspective, identify the parts of the plot by labelling the listed events with the appropriate plot elements.
11.
Orestes' acquittal at the trial in Athens
12.
Orestes' execution of Clytemnestra
13.
Clytemnestra dreams of giving birth to a serpent
14.
The women of Athens lead the Eumenides to their new shrine
15.
Clytemnestra's execution of Agamemnon
16.
Orestes wanders Greece, seeking ritual purification
17.
The Herald describes the daily life of soldiers during the Trojan War
18.
Aegisthus threatens to reign as a tyrant
19.
The Watchman reports the message of the beacon fire
20.
Orestes sees the Furies for the first time
III. Interpret the meaning of five (5) of the following ten passages from the Oresteia by paraphrasing the quotes into your own words and by commenting on their connection to the action or theme of the trilogy. Indicate the number you are answering on the short line. Write out your paraphrase on the long lines. Do NOT use more space than provided.
21.
We lean on sticks - in strength not men But children; so they left us here. In weakness youth and age are one: The sap sleeps in the unripe bone As in the withered. The green stalk Grows without thorns...
22.
The elder king then spoke: 'What can I say? Disaster follows if I disobey; ... There must be sacrifice, a maid must bleed - Their chafing rage demands it - they are right! May good prevail, and justify my deed!'
23.
A middle course is best, Not poor nor proud; but this, By no clear rule defined, Eludes the unstable, undiscerning mind, Whose aim will surely miss.
24.
I learnt long ago Least said is soonest mended.
25.
To this one end my will is urged by many motives: The god's command, grief for my father; and with these Loss of my patrimony, shame that my proud citizens, Glorious in every land for the courage that conquered Troy, Live thus enslaved to a woman - no, to a pair of women!
26.
Honor belongs where home and hearth are pure, Where neither hate grows hot, Nor woman's daring impulse reaches Beyond the bound that virtue teaches.
27.
Justice plants her anvil; Fate Forges keen the brazen knife. Murder still will propagate Murder...
28.
Phoebus would steal away My office and my right, My trapped and cowering prey Whose anguish must atone For sin so violent, For blood that bore his own.
29.
And in man's downfall his own hand's pollution, Hovering round him like a misty gloom, Pours deeper darkness on his mind's confusion, While groaning ghosts intone his house's doom.
30.
A sterile blight shall creep on plant and child And pock the earth's face with infectious sores Why should I weep? Hear, Justice, what I do!
IV. Short essay: Who is the protagonist of the Oresteia? What is your proof? Is he or she a good protagonist according to Aristotle’s five rules? Who or what is his or her antagonist?
V. Short essay: What is the theme of the Oresteia? What specific events and ideas expressed by the characters point to that theme?
VI. Short essay: This section looks at the Oresteian trilogy as three separate plays. Which of the characters in those plays exhibits the greatest degree of hybris? Offer details and contrasts with at least one other character to support your answer.
Test 2: Answer Sheet
Great Books
Mr. Reed
Name
Date Period
Test #
I. Short answer (2 points each) II. Short answer: Plot (4 points each)
1. 11.
2. 12.
3. 13.
4. 14.
5. 15.
6. 16.
7. 17.
8. 18.
9. 19.
10. 20.
III. Interpretation/Paraphrasing (4 points each)
IV. Short essay: Protagonist (20 points)
V. Short answer: Theme (20 points)
VI. Short essay: Hubris (20 points)
Test 3: Short Answers and Vocabulary
Great Books
Mr. Reed
Name
Date Period
I. The Greek Theater
1.
Modern playwrights generally attempt to produce a naturalistic replica of life. What sort of representation did Greek playwrights strive to produce?
2.
The plots of Greek plays often involved violence. How was the violence presented to the audience?
3.
Greek drama began as a form of worship. To which Olympian god were the first plays dedicated?
4.
Who is traditionally reputed to have introduced the first actor, thus earning the title, "Father of Drama"?
5.
At the dramatic competitions how many tragedies did each competing tragic poet present?
6.
What followed these tragic presentations as a form of comic relief? [It was so low that refined ladies usually left the theater before it began.]
7.
What was an actor's most valuable asset?
8.
What device was used to depict the predominant emotion of a character?
9.
Identify one function of the chorus.
10.
Name the three Greek tragedians whose combined 33 extant plays constitute our only examples of Greek tragedy from the Golden Age. [Using blanks 10, 11, and 12, list them in chronological order.]
11.
12.
13.
Who is the single comic dramatist (contemporary to those three tragedians) whose works survive?
14.
For what work did Aeschylus win his last prize?
15.
Which Greek city was the center of Greek culture?
II. The Agamemnon
16.
What segment of the Argive population constitutes the chorus?
17.
Cite two reasons for Clytemnestra's intense hatred of Agamemnon. [Use blanks 17 & 18.]
18.
19.
Cite one reason for Aegisthus' hatred of Agamemnon.
20.
Which of the two Greek commandments does Agamemnon violate in his treatment of the conquered Trojans?
21.
Whom does the chorus blame for the Trojan War?
22.
Whom does Clytemnestra blame for the Trojan War?
23.
What does Clytemnestra manage to get Agamemnon to do upon his return home to demonstrate his hybris in front of his subjects?
24.
Is Agamemnon at all concerned with public opinion?
25.
Who/what is Cassandra [in relation to Agamemnon]?
26.
What is Cassandra's blessing?
27.
What is Cassandra's curse?
28.
Where - specifically - does Clytemnestra murder Agamemnon?
29.
What is the worst insult the chorus feels it can hurl at Clytemnestra?
30.
What is the worst insult the chorus feels it can hurl at Aegisthus?
III. The Libation Bearers
31.
Who constitutes the chorus in this play?
32.
Why has Clytemnestra sent women to Agamemnon's tomb?
33.
Whom does Orestes meet at his father's grave?
34.
Describe the dream of Clytemnestra. [Be brief and precise.]
35.
What does the dream mean?
36.
How does Electra feel about Clytemnestra?
37.
What kind of rulers have Clytemnestra and Aegisthus been?
38.
How does Clytemnestra react publicly to the news of her son's death?
39.
How does Clytemnestra react privately to the news of her son's death?
40.
Who delivers the report of Orestes' death?
41.
Which of the gods has called for Clytemnestra's death?
42.
What motive [other than the answer to #41] does Orestes have for killing Clytemnestra?
43.
What conflict does Orestes face that makes him not want to kill her?
44.
Whose advice helps Orestes to resolve his conflict?
45.
Symbolizing a guilty conscience, who appear to Orestes at the end of the play?
IV. The Eumenides
46.
Who constitutes the first chorus in this play?
47.
Name the god with whom the chorus is in conflict?
48.
Which of the two [#46 & 47] represents "the new" and the reformed concept of purification and social justice?
49.
Which of the two [#46 & 47] represents "the old" and the code of the vendetta?
50.
What is the Erinyes' reason for wanting Orestes' death?
51.
Why do the Erinyes not hound Clytemnestra?
52.
What is the basis of Apollo's argument that the Erinyes should have hounded Clytemnestra?
53.
Why is Athena inclined to favor Orestes over Clytemnestra?
54.
Does Orestes ever deny that he murdered Clytemnestra?
55.
How does Athena placate the Erinyes?
V. Drama Definitions
56.
What is the Greek term for excessive pride - the chief sin at the root of Greek dramatic plots?
57.
Wat Greek term names that "purging" of the spectators' emotions through the emotional release brought about by imaginative participation in the drama?
58.
Name and explain each of Aristotle's three unities. [In blank 58, name one of the unities by a single word; then explain it. Do the same in blanks 59 and 60.]
59.
60.
61.
Identify two of Aristotle's five criteria for a good protagonist. [Use blanks 61 & 62.]
62.
63.
By what term is the central - figure in a drama identified?
64.
By what term is his/her [#63] chief opposition identified?
65.
By what term is the turning point, the point of highest emotional tension, the point of greatest complication of the plot, identified?
VI. Identification: Identify any ten (10) of the following items by noting the item’s role in or relationship to the Oresteia. Label your ten choices with the numbers 66 - 75 in order.
Artemis
Athena
Atreus
Calchas
Cilissa
Delphi
Hermes
Ilium
Iphigenia
Leda
Loxias
Menelaus
Moira
Pallas
Pelops
Phocis
Pythia
Strophius
Tantalus
Thyestes
Test 4: Short Answers, Matching, and Quotations
Great Books
Mr. Reed
Name
Date Period
1.
With which aspect of society was the origin of Greek drama associated? [e.g., commercial, scientific, athletic, or some specific other]
2.
To which god were the dramas dedicated?
3.
Although none of his plays survive extant, who is the man credited as the first playwright?
4.
Although only seven of his tragedies survive, he is compared to Shakespeare in skill at depicting human nature. Who is the oldest of the three tragedians whose works survive?
5.
Which of the three dramatized the stories of Oedipus and his tragic family?
6.
Which of the three is the most modern in tone and theme?
7.
Whose surviving plays make him the master of Greek comedy?
8.
What was the maximum number of individual actors in a single play during the Golden Age?
9.
By what dramatic term is the impelling motive that causes the ensuing action of the play identified?
10.
By what dramatic term is the point of crucial decision or self-discovery identified?
11.
By what term is the heroic figure who fails to achieve his objective identified?
12.
By what dramatic term is his (#11) opponent identified?
13.
By what term is his (#11) final defeat identified?
14.
By what term is the drama's ability to cleanse the spectator's emotions identified?
15.
By what Greek term is the sin of excessive pride identified?
Place the letter of the correct identification in the blank provided for each listed item.
| Item and answer | Choice | Identification or definition |
|---|---|---|
| 16. Agamemnon | A. | He had an ivory shoulder because of his father’s sin. |
| 17. Apollo | B. | Mother of Helen of Troy and of Clytemnestra |
| 18. Athena | C. | He raped his brother’s wife and was fed his own sons |
| 19. Ate | D. | Priestess at the Oracle of Delphi |
| 20. Cassandra | E. | Patron god of the Oracle of Delphi |
| 21. Cilissa | F. | Her curse was to tell the future but never to be believed |
| 22. Clytemnestra | G. | He escorted Orestes to Areopagus and Athena’s shrine |
| 23. Delphi | H. | Orestes’ faithful old nurse |
| 24. Electra | I. | He returned home in triumph from the war in Ilium |
| 25. Erinyes | J. | She loved her father and sought revenge for his death |
| 26. Eumenides | K. | Causes the curse by feeding a foul feast to the gods |
| 27. Hermes | L. | The Furies |
| 28. Iphigenia | M. | KNOW THYSELF is inscribed on the temple walls there |
| 29. Leda | N. | Only one to see the Furies at the end of Libation Bearers |
| 30. Moira | O. | Casts the deciding vote in favor of Orestes |
| 31. Orestes | P. | Gave her husband a bath he never forgot |
| 32. Pelops | Q. | Sacrifice offered to the gods for fair winds |
| 33. Pythia | R. | Goddess of Evil - sister of the Furies |
| 34. Tantalus | S. | The Gentle Ones |
| 35. Thyestes | T. | The single name of the trinity of the Fates |
Short answer: Agamemnon
36.
The curse on whose house is dramatized in the Oresteia?
37.
Where is the Agamemnon set?
38.
Who composes the Chorus in that play?
39.
Clytemnestra has at least three reasons for wanting to see her husband dead. The first comes to her in her role as a mother. What circumstance causes it?
40.
The second comes to her in her role as a wife. What act causes it?
41.
What is her third reason?
42.
What motive does Aegisthus have for wanting to see Agamemnon dead?
43.
Whom does the Chorus blame for the Trojan War?
44.
Whom does Clytemnestra blame for the war?
45.
How does Agamemnon commit hubris at Troy?
46.
How does he commit hubris when he returns home?
47.
Who predicts both Agamemnon's and Clytemnestra's deaths?
48.
By which Greek code does Clytemnestra justify her murderous action?
49.
In response to her authoritative exercise of power, her determination, and her intelligence, what reversal does the Chorus attribute to Clytemnestra? [What do they call her?]
50.
In contrast, what do they call Aegisthus?
Short answer: The Libation Bearers
51.
Who composes the Chorus in this play?
52.
What token of mourning does Orestes leave at his father's grave?
53.
Among the Greeks, what else does that token signify?
54.
What prompts the sending of the libation bearers and Electra to perform ceremonies at Agamemnon's grave?
55.
What is the motive for both Orestes' and Electra's hesitation to reveal themselves to one another?
56.
By which god is Orestes sent on his mission?
57.
With what punishment does the god threaten him if he fails?
58.
Who is Orestes' first victim?
59.
What lie does Orestes tell Clytemnestra?
60.
What is Clytemnestra's public reaction to the news Orestes' lie delivers?
61.
What is her private reaction?
62.
With what punishment does she threaten Orestes as she begs him to spare her?
63.
Who does she promise will deliver/cause that punishment?
64.
What animal is associated with both Clytemnestra's dream and the administrator of justice?
Short answer: Eumenides
65.
Who forms the Chorus in the first half of Eumenides?
66.
Why do the Furies feel they are justified in hounding Orestes although they did not pursue Clytemnestra?
67.
Where does Orestes first seek expiation from his sin?
68.
When that fails, where is he next sent?
69.
I what new method of dealing with crimes does Orestes participate?
70.
Who serves as Orestes' judge?
71.
Who forms the Chorus at the end of the play?
72.
What defense does Apollo offer for Orestes?
73.
How do the Furies justify their pursuit of Orestes?
74.
What do the Furies fear will happen to parents if Orestes is allowed his freedom?
75.
What is the judge's (#70) opinion concerning law and right?
76.
What new function does the judge assign to the Furies specifically in reference to the city of Athens?
77.
What task - in reference to Athenians in general - are they assigned?
78.
Who is the protagonist of the Eumenides and of the Oresteia as a whole?
79.
What is the single predominant theme of the Oresteia?
Bonus
A.
Which two Biblical assignments concerned the same themes as the Oresteia?
B.
C.
Who says: "I was eloquent before...I needed it. I shall not blush undoing every word"?
D.
Who says: "Then what becomes of the oracles Apollo spoke, those oracles at Pythia, and all our solemn oaths"?
E.
Who says: "Never shall a princeling of my land set out with a furbished spear against you. Rather from the grave, I shall myself stir up dismay and accident on those who break this oath"?
Test 5: The Oresteia and Greek Drama
Great Books
Mr. Reed
Name
Date Period
Matching: Place the letter of the correct identification or definition in the blank provided for each listed item.
| Item and answer | Choice | Identification or definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Agamemnon | A. | He had an ivory shoulder because of his father’s sin. |
| 2. Apollo | B. | Mother of Helen of Troy and of Clytemnestra |
| 3. Athena | C. | He raped his brother’s wife and was fed his own sons |
| 4. Ate | D. | Priestess at the Oracle of Delphi |
| 5. Cassandra | E. | Patron god of the Oracle of Delphi |
| 6. Cilissa | F. | Her curse was to tell the future but never to be believed |
| 7. Clytemnestra | G. | He escorted Orestes to Areopagus and Athena’s shrine |
| 8. Delphi | H. | Orestes’ faithful old nurse |
| 9. Drama | I. | Pertaining to drama or acting - derived from first actor |
| 10. Electra | J. | He returned home in triumph from the war in Ilium |
| 11. Erinyes | K. | She loved her father and sought revenge for his death |
| 12. Eumenides | L. | Causes the curse by feeding a foul feast to the gods |
| 13. Hermes | M. | The Furies |
| 14. Iphigenia | N. | KNOW THYSELF is inscribed on the temple walls there |
| 15. Leda | O. | Only one to see the Furies at the end of Libation Bearers |
| 16. Libation | P. | Song or hymn of praise |
| 17. Matricide | Q. | Tragedy and comedy - originating from bacchic rites |
| 18. Moira | R. | Casts the deciding vote in favor of Orestes |
| 19. Orestes | S. | Gave her husband a bath he never forgot |
| 20. Pelops | T. | Sacrifice offered to the gods for fair winds |
| 21. Pythia | U. | Goddess of Evil - sister of the Furies |
| 22. Paean | V. | Killing one’s own mother |
| 23. Tantalus | W. | The Gentle Ones |
| 24. Thespian | X. | A liquid offering made to the gods |
| 25. Thyestes | Y. | The single name of the trinity of the Fates |
26 - 35. Place the following in chronological order; place their individual sins after their names.
| Item | Person | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | A. Agamemnon | |
| 2. | B. Atreus | |
| 3. | C. Orestes | |
| 4. | D. Pelops | |
| 5. | E. Tantalus |
36.
What is the function of the CHORUS in Greek drama?
37.
What segment of the populace functions as the CHORUS in the Agamemnon? b) Why are they appropriate for this play?
a)
b)
38.
a) What segment of the populace functions as the CHORUS in the Libation Bearers? b) Why are they appropriate observers of the action?
a)
b)
39.
a) What serves as the CHORUS for the major portion of the Eumenides? b) What serves as the CHORUS for the concluding action of the trilogy?
a)
b)
PLOT
40.
How does Clytemnestra get immediate news of the fall of Troy?
41.
Why does Clytemnestra hate Agamemnon so venomously?
42.
Why does Aegisthus hate Agamemnon?
43.
How does Clytemnestra greet her loving husband [I want her public response]?
44.
Why is Agamemnon reluctant to walk on the fine "trappings" that Clytemnestra spreads before him? 45 - 47. Name three predictions Cassandra makes as she talks to the CHORUS.
a.
b.
c.
48.
a) How accurate is Cassandra in her predictions? b) Why?
a)
b)
49.
How does Clytemnestra justify what she does to Agamemnon?
50.
a) What does the populace think of Aegisthus? b) Why?
a)
b)
51.
In the interval between the Agamemnon and the Libation Bearers, what kind of rulers are Clytemnestra and Aegisthus?
52.
What token does Orestes leave at his father's grave?
53 - 54.
What two things does this token represent?
a)
b)
55.
Why were the libation bearers at Agamemnon's grave at the beginning of the play?
56.
Why are both Orestes and Electra cautious with each other before their identities are established?
57.
a) In what guise does Orestes enter his own country? b) Why is this necessary?
a)
b)
58.
What are the only indications that Clytemnestra is troubled over her husband's slaying?
59.
Why is Orestes hounded by the Furies?
60.
Which god prompts Orestes to commit his crime?
61.
What is Clytemnestra's public reaction to the news that her only son is dead?
62.
What is Clytemnestra's private reaction to the news that her only son is dead?
63.
Name two parallels between the conclusion of the Agamemnon and the conclusion of the Libation Bearers.
a)
b)
64.
Who is killed in the Libation Bearers?
a)
b)
65.
Why?
66.
Why do the Furies chastise Apollo in the beginning of the Eumenides?
67.
Why do the Furies feel they are justified in hounding Orestes when they did not hound Clytemnestra?
68.
Where does Orestes first go to seek an end to this torment in the Eumenides?
69.
How does Orestes expiate his sin?
a)
b)
70.
Why is it appropriate that Athena preside as judge at Orestes' trial?
71.
What argument does Apollo make for Orestes? [the crux of the matter]
72.
What argument do the Furies make as the prosecution? [crux of the matter]
73.
What is Athena's opinion concerning law and right? Be specific.
74.
What prototype for the Athenians and the modern justice system does Athena originate in the Eumenides?
75.
With what do the Furies threaten the city of Athens? Why?
a)
b)
76.
What do the Furies say will happen to parents if Orestes is allowed his freedom?
77.
How are the Furies finally placated?
78.
Why is it appropriate that the city of Athens reveres the goddess Athena?
79.
What will the task of the Eumenides be?
80.
Who is the protagonist if you consider the trilogy as a whole? Why?
a)
b)
ESSAY QUESTIONS: Choose one of the following to write a well-developed essay. Use manuscript form as well as SPECIFIC DETAILS from the story to support what you say.
Choice #1 - Compare and contrast Clytemnestra, Medea, and Penelope in their devotion to their husbands, children, and roles as women.
Choice #2 - Compare and contrast the revenge themes of Medea and the Oresteia.
Choice #3 - Compare and contrast the concept of JUSTICE as presented in the Hebrew society to the concept of JUSTICE as presented in the Greek society. Choose specific details from the Bible and the Greek plays to support what you say.
Write your answer on the paper I provided and staple it to the test when you turn it in.
Bonus
List as many instances as you can think of where the gods intervene in the lives of mortals to cause tragic consequences. List the god and then list the consequences.