- 1. The Suppliants, also known as The Suppliant Women, is a powerful ancient Greek tragedy written by Aeschylus, which delves into themes of refuge, justice, and the relationship between individuals and the state. The play opens with the daughters of Danaus, who have fled from Egypt to escape forced marriages to their cousins, the fifty sons of Aegyptus. Seeking sanctuary in Argos, they plead with King Pelasgus for protection against their pursuers. As the drama unfolds, the interplay between the urgency of the suppliants and the responsibilities faced by the king highlights the moral dilemmas of hospitality and the social obligations of rulers. Aeschylus utilizes rich poetic language and vivid imagery to express the anguish of the women, juxtaposing their desperate plight with bureaucratic and political considerations. The Suppliants serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of oppression, the importance of mercy and compassion, and the struggle for autonomy in a patriarchal world, ultimately depicting the resilience of those who seek liberation from tyranny.
What is the central theme of 'The Suppliants'?
A) The inevitability of fate.
B) The pursuit of power.
C) The nature of the gods.
D) The quest for asylum and justice.
- 2. Where do the Suppliants seek refuge?
A) Athens.
B) Sparta.
C) Thebes.
D) Argos.
- 3. What do the daughters of Danaus plead for?
A) Protection from forced marriage.
B) Help in war.
C) Monetary aid.
D) Land ownership.
- 4. Which group is pursuing the daughters of Danaus?
A) The Trojans.
B) The sons of Aegyptus.
C) The Spartans.
D) The Thebans.
- 5. What literary device is prominently featured in 'The Suppliants'?
A) Stream of consciousness.
B) Soliloquies.
C) Choral odes.
D) Flashbacks.
- 6. Which value is emphasized through the actions of the daughters of Danaus?
A) The importance of female agency.
B) The futility of resistance.
C) The need for male dominance.
D) The inevitability of fate.
- 7. How does the play end?
A) With a battle between armies.
B) With a curse on Argos.
C) With a resolution to protect the supplicants.
D) With the daughters returning to Aegyptus.
- 8. What is a key moral issue presented in 'The Suppliants'?
A) The importance of loyalty to family.
B) The justification of war.
C) The right to asylum and protection.
D) The pursuit of wealth.
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