1.
Sophocles was born in approximately _______.
Correct Answer
B. 496 BC
Explanation
Sophocles was born in 496 BC. This date is based on historical records and is widely accepted as the approximate year of his birth.
2.
In Greek mythology, ________ is the king of the gods and the ruler of Mt. Olympus.
Correct Answer
C. Zeus
Explanation
Zeus is the correct answer because in Greek mythology, he is indeed considered the king of the gods and the ruler of Mt. Olympus. He is the most powerful deity and the father of many gods and heroes. Zeus is often depicted as a wise and just ruler, and his domain includes the sky, thunder, and lightning. He is also known for his numerous love affairs and his role in the Trojan War.
3.
In his lifetime, Sophocles wrote more than ________ plays.
Correct Answer
100
one hundred
a hundred
Explanation
Sophocles, a renowned Greek playwright, wrote a significant number of plays during his lifetime. The question asks for the number of plays he wrote, and the options provided are "100," "one hundred," and "a hundred." All three options represent the same quantity, which is a numerical value of 100. Therefore, the correct answer is 100, one hundred, or a hundred, as they all refer to the same number of plays written by Sophocles.
4.
Only _____ complete tragedies by Sophocles remain today.
Correct Answer
7
seven
Explanation
Sophocles, a renowned ancient Greek playwright, is known to have written a total of seven complete tragedies. These tragedies include famous works such as "Oedipus Rex," "Antigone," and "Electra." These plays have survived throughout the centuries and are still studied and performed today, making Sophocles one of the most important figures in ancient Greek literature.
5.
Sophocles is credited with creating more detailed plot twists and dialogue.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Check your presentation handouts. Greek plays--at least during Sophocles' time--did not have elaborate plot twists or subplots. Sophocles is credited with something else (look in the presentation handouts in the "Antigone: Part II" section).
6.
The masters of Greek tragedy are ________ (check all that apply).
Correct Answer(s)
A. Sophocles
D. Aeschylus
E. Euripedes
Explanation
The masters of Greek tragedy are Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripedes. These three playwrights are widely regarded as the most influential and important figures in the development of Greek tragedy. They each contributed unique and groundbreaking works that explored themes of fate, morality, and the human condition. Their plays, such as Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Aeschylus' The Oresteia, continue to be studied and performed today, showcasing their lasting impact on the genre.
7.
Sophocles was awarded first prize more than ____ times.
Correct Answer(s)
20
twenty
Explanation
Sophocles was awarded first prize more than 20 times. This means that he received the highest recognition and honor for his work on at least 20 occasions. The term "twenty" is simply another way of expressing the number 20.
8.
A tragedy includes grandiose schemes and larger-than-life characters--usually royalty or society's elite--who are brought down by a ________.
Correct Answer(s)
tragic flaw
Explanation
A tragedy typically involves extravagant plans and larger-than-life individuals, often from the upper echelons of society, who are ultimately destroyed by a tragic flaw. This flaw is a personal characteristic or trait that leads to their downfall and serves as a central theme in tragic literature. It highlights the inherent imperfections and vulnerabilities of these characters, showcasing the consequences of their actions and decisions.
9.
In Greek mythology, ______ is the goddess of beauty and love.
Correct Answer
D. Aphrodite
Explanation
Aphrodite is the correct answer because she is widely known in Greek mythology as the goddess of beauty and love. She is often depicted as a beautiful and seductive figure, associated with desire, passion, and fertility. Aphrodite's influence extends to various aspects of life, including romantic love, physical beauty, and the power to inspire desire in others. She is a prominent deity in Greek mythology and plays a significant role in many stories and legends.
10.
Greek plays used _______ actors.
Correct Answer
three
3
Explanation
Greek plays used three actors. This is because in ancient Greek theater, there were only three actors who played all the roles in a play. These actors would wear masks and costumes to differentiate between the characters they were portraying. This limited number of actors allowed for a more focused and intimate performance, as the audience could easily follow the storyline and the interactions between the characters. Additionally, having only three actors made it easier for the playwrights to write and structure their plays, as they did not have to create a large number of distinct characters.
11.
The plays were performed in outdoor _______.
Correct Answer
amphitheatres
amphitheaters
Explanation
The correct answer is "amphitheatres, amphitheaters." Both spellings refer to the same type of venue where the plays were performed, which is an open-air theater with a circular or oval shape and tiered seating. These outdoor amphitheatres provided an ideal setting for theatrical performances, allowing for a large audience and excellent acoustics.
12.
Actors wore changeable masks that helped the audience to see emotion and ________.
Correct Answer
characterization
Explanation
The use of changeable masks by actors allowed the audience to visually perceive the emotions and personalities of the characters. By changing the masks, the actors were able to convey different expressions and traits, enhancing the audience's understanding and connection to the characters. This technique of using masks for characterization was a visual aid that helped bring the characters to life on stage.
13.
Antigone was the first play written and the _____ story chronologically.
Correct Answer
third
3rd
3 rd
Explanation
Antigone was the first play written and the third story chronologically.
14.
Oedipus left orders that his sons would share the kingship after his death. ________ was the first of his sons to reign.
Correct Answer
Eteocles
Explanation
Oedipus had instructed that his sons would rule together as kings after his death. Among his sons, Eteocles was the first to ascend to the throne.
15.
Plays were set in one day at one time. All ____ took place off stage.
Correct Answer
violence
Explanation
The plays were set in a specific day and time, and all instances of violence occurred off stage. This means that the audience did not witness the violent acts directly, but instead learned about them through dialogue or other characters' accounts. This approach allows for a focus on the consequences and aftermath of the violence, rather than the graphic depiction of the acts themselves.
16.
Who is Oedipus' mother and wife?
Correct Answer
A. Jocasta
Explanation
Oedipus' mother and wife is Jocasta. In the Greek mythological story of Oedipus, Jocasta is the wife of King Laius and the mother of Oedipus. Oedipus unknowingly marries his own mother after solving the riddle of the Sphinx and becoming the king of Thebes. This tragic twist of fate is a central theme in the story of Oedipus, as he discovers the truth and is left devastated by his actions.
17.
Antigone commits suicide by stabbing herself with a poisoned sword.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Antigone hangs herself with a rope made from her veil.
18.
What is the name of the blind prophet who warns Creon?
Correct Answer
Tiresias
Teiresias
Explanation
The blind prophet who warns Creon is named Tiresias or Teiresias.
19.
What Greek figure is represented in this painting by Titian?
Correct Answer
B. Bacchus
Explanation
The correct answer is Bacchus. This can be determined by analyzing the painting and identifying the characteristics and attributes of the figure depicted. Bacchus is often portrayed as the Greek god of wine and revelry, and in this painting, the figure is shown holding a goblet and surrounded by grapes and vines, symbolizing the association with wine. Additionally, Bacchus is typically depicted as youthful and handsome, which matches the appearance of the figure in the painting.
20.
The Greek gods "lived" at ______.
Correct Answer
Mt. Olympus
Mount Olympus
Explanation
The Greek gods were believed to reside on Mount Olympus, which was the highest mountain in Greece. It was considered to be a sacred place and the dwelling of the gods. The phrase "lived at" implies that the gods had a physical presence on the mountain, reinforcing the belief that Mount Olympus was their abode. Both "Mt. Olympus" and "Mount Olympus" refer to the same location and are acceptable answers.
21.
Sophocles was a playwright during the "Golden Age" of Ancient Greece.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the "Golden Age" of Ancient Greece, which occurred from the 5th to the 4th century BCE, many significant cultural and intellectual advancements took place. Sophocles, a renowned playwright, was one of the prominent figures during this period. He wrote numerous influential plays, including Oedipus Rex and Antigone, which are still studied and performed today. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Sophocles was indeed a playwright during the "Golden Age" of Ancient Greece.
22.
The plays were performed outdoors and the venue could accomodate ______ people.
Correct Answer
40,000
forty thousand
40K
Explanation
The correct answer options for the question indicate that the venue had the capacity to accommodate a large number of people. The options "40,000", "forty thousand", and "40K" all represent the same quantity, which is a significant number of individuals. Therefore, any of these options would be an appropriate choice to fill in the blank and complete the sentence.
23.
The masks used by the actors had _____ built into them to project their voices.
Correct Answer
megaphone
megaphones
Explanation
The masks used by the actors had megaphones built into them to project their voices. This suggests that the masks were specifically designed with megaphones integrated into them, allowing the actors to amplify their voices and be heard clearly. The plural form "megaphones" is also mentioned, indicating that multiple masks had this feature.
24.
Actors wore ______ for added height.
Correct Answer
platform shoes
Explanation
Actors wore platform shoes for added height. Platform shoes have thick soles that elevate the wearer's feet, providing additional height. This is particularly useful for actors who need to appear taller on stage or screen. By wearing platform shoes, actors can enhance their presence and create a more visually striking performance.
25.
Oedipus lived with the king and queen of ______ and did not know his birth parents.
Correct Answer
Corinth
Explanation
Oedipus lived with the king and queen of Corinth and did not know his birth parents. In Greek mythology, Oedipus was adopted by the king and queen of Corinth, Polybus and Merope, after being abandoned as a baby. He grew up believing that they were his biological parents and was unaware of his true parentage. This is a key aspect of the Oedipus myth and sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold in his life.
26.
Which character is Antigone's uncle?
Correct Answer
Creon
Explanation
Creon is Antigone's uncle because he is the brother of Antigone's mother, Jocasta. In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, Creon is the ruler of Thebes and becomes the antagonist to Antigone's protagonist. Creon's position as Antigone's uncle adds to the conflict in the story, as he is torn between his duty as a ruler and his familial ties.
27.
Creon allows _______ to be properly buried.
Correct Answer
Eteocles
Explanation
Creon allows Eteocles to be properly buried.
28.
According to Aristotle's Poetics, a tragic hero must be a man or woman capable of great ______.
Correct Answer
suffering
Explanation
According to Aristotle's Poetics, a tragic hero must be a man or woman capable of great suffering. This is because the essence of tragedy lies in the hero's downfall and the emotional impact it has on the audience. The hero's suffering evokes pity and fear, allowing the audience to experience catharsis. Without the capacity for suffering, the tragic hero would not be able to elicit these powerful emotions and the tragedy would lose its impact.
29.
Antigone is engaged to ______.
Correct Answer
A. Haimon
Explanation
Antigone is engaged to Haimon.
30.
____ takes her/his own life when s/he hears about the death of her/his son.
Correct Answer
Eurydice
Explanation
Eurydice takes her own life when she hears about the death of her son. This suggests that the news of her son's death is so devastating to her that she cannot bear to live without him. The grief and pain overwhelm her to the point where she sees no other option but to end her own life. This tragic event highlights the deep emotional connection between a parent and child, and the profound impact that the loss of a child can have on a parent's mental and emotional well-being.
31.
Antigone was first performed in the late _______.
Correct Answer
E. 440s BC
Explanation
Antigone was first performed in the late 440s BC. This is supported by historical evidence and the context of the play. Antigone is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles, who lived from 496 to 406 BC. The play is set in ancient Thebes, and it deals with themes of morality, duty, and the conflict between divine and human law. The late 440s BC aligns with the time period when Sophocles was active as a playwright, and it is consistent with the historical and cultural context in which the play was written and performed.
32.
The audience would come to watch the competitions to see how different playwrights would interpret the story.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that the audience is interested in seeing how various playwrights interpret a story, indicating that they are likely to attend competitions to witness these interpretations. Therefore, the answer is true.
33.
Creon's greatest tragic flaw is his ______.
Correct Answer
pride
Explanation
Creon's greatest tragic flaw is his pride. This flaw is evident in his refusal to listen to the advice of others, particularly his son Haemon and the prophet Teiresias. He believes that his own judgment is infallible and does not consider alternative perspectives or the potential consequences of his actions. This excessive pride ultimately leads to his downfall, as it causes him to make decisions that result in the death of his loved ones and the destruction of his kingdom.
34.
Ismene commits suicide by taking poison.
Correct Answer
B. False