Question

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Explanation:

Analyze the theme and prompt

The question asks which two actions best support the theme that "lust for power is stronger than family ties." This theme requires actions showing that the desire for political control or the throne overrides brotherly love and familial bonds.

Evaluate the options using evidence

Using the Theban Cycle Themes and Theme Analysis knowledge points:

• The brothers fight each other for the throne: This directly shows their desire for power (the throne) is stronger than their family ties (brotherly bond), leading them to engage in mortal combat. This supports the theme.
• Both brothers die trying to gain power: Their mutual destruction in battle is the ultimate consequence of prioritizing power over family, directly supporting the theme.
• Eteocles weeps when he kills Polyneices: This action shows the lingering strength of family ties and grief, which contradicts the idea that lust for power completely erased their bond.
• Polyneices wants to be buried in Thebes: This reflects a connection to his homeland, not a preference for power over family.
• Polyneices professes his love for Eteocles: This directly highlights family ties and love, rather than the destructive lust for power.

Select the two correct options

The two actions that demonstrate power overcoming family ties are the brothers fighting each other for the throne and both dying in their pursuit of power.

Answer:

• The brothers fight each other for the throne. (Correct answer)
• Both brothers die trying to gain power. (Correct answer)
• Eteocles weeps when he kills Polyneices.
• Polyneices wants to be buried in Thebes.
• Polyneices professes his love for Eteocles.