Oresteia

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

AGAMEMNON

Reading Check

1. Where is the play set?

2. Who is Agamemnon’s wife?

3. Who is Menelaus?

4. What is the name of Agamemnon’s son?

5. Why did Apollo curse Cassandra?

6. Whom does Cassandra warn of Agamemnon’s impending death?

7. Whose screams does the Chorus hear coming from inside the palace?

8. Who helps Clytemnestra kill Agamemnon?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the purpose of the beacon relays? What news do they bring to Argos?

2. Who is Iphigenia? Why did Agamemnon sacrifice her?

3. Why is Agamemnon initially reluctant to step on the red tapestries Clytemnestra lays out for him?

4. Who is Cassandra? What does Clytemnestra tell her to do?

5. Why does the Chorus call Aegisthus a coward?

Paired Resource

The Greek Polis

• This article from Khan Academy introduces the Greek polis, the basic social and political unit of the ancient Greek world.
• It connects to the theme of Justice and Vengeance.
• What is the polis? How does the polis embody order and justice?

THE LIBATION BEARERS

Reading Check

1. Who accompanies Orestes on his return to Argos?

2.