English literature - drama / the suppliants , inphigenia at aulis

Drama Quiz and Essay Preparation Notes:

The Suppliants by Aeschylus

• Why have the Egyptian women (the Danaids) fled to Argos?
• What right do the women claim for refuge in Argos?
• What reasons does Pelasgos give to challenge the Danaids’ claim?
• What last resort do the Danaids plan to take if the Argives refuse them refuge?
• What is at stake for Pelasgos, and what is tragic about it?
• What command does Danaos give his daughters near the end of the play, why?
• What position do the Handmaidens take on the issue the Danaids’ actions? 
• What are the major themes of the drama?

Iphigenia at Aulis by Euripides 

• How does the play address national leaders’ reasons for going to war?
• How does Agamemnon initially respond to the message from the Oracle of Delphi?
• What reasons does Agamemnon give for insisting that they go through with the sacrifice of Iphigenia?
• What is Achilles’ position on the proposed sacrifice of Iphigenia and how Agamemnon got Clytemnestra to bring her to Aulis?
• What is Menelaus’ attitude toward the sacrifice of Iphigenia? Is he consistent? What changes for him?
• What are Iphigenia’s contradictory responses to her planned sacrifice?
• What is the central conflict of Iphigenia at Aulis?
• What are the major themes of the drama?