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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Floating with the aid of Ino and safe from Poseidon in Book 5, how does Odysseus make it to dry land when he first sees it?
(a) He swims until he finds a harbor.
(b) He swims until he finds a beach.
(c) He swims until he finds a boat.
(d) He swims until he finds a river.

2. Odysseus and his men have just landed on an island after the lotus-eaters. Why does Odysseus leave this place the next morning?
(a) He wants to please Zeus since they've angered him.
(b) He wants to hurry home because he has a bad feeling.
(c) He wants to gather more treasure.
(d) He wants to investigate another island from which smoke can be seen.

3. Athene instructs Nestor to help Telemachus on the next leg of his journey. What does he supply?
(a) Nestor gives Telemachus horses and one of his sons.
(b) Nestor gives Telemachus treasure, a map and one of his sons.
(c) Nestor gives Telemachus another ship and one of his sons.
(d) Nestor gives Telemachus supplies and a guide.

4. What is unique about Demodocus the bard?
(a) He is a son of a Muse.
(b) He is completely deaf.
(c) He can play a tune he's heard only once.
(d) He is blind but gifted with delightful song.

5. According to Circe, how should Odysseus get past the Sirens while listening to their song?
(a) He should be bound to the mast.
(b) He should be taken below deck.
(c) He should be fine without any precautions.
(d) He just shouldn't listen to their song.

Short Answer Questions

1. Helen and Menelaus tell tales of Odysseus' exploits in Troy. What story does Menelaus tell?

2. What is Nausicaa's greatest concern for the trip back to her father's house from the river?

3. In Book 11, who is first to visit Odysseus from the dead?

4. What does Poseidon call to disrupt Odysseus' easy passage to Phaecia?

5. According to Nausicaa, to whom should Odysseus first appeal when he gets to the court in Book 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Athene reveal her presence to Telemachus and Nestor in Book 3?

2. What makes Eumaeus a loyal servant and friend?

3. Describe Odysseus' bed.

4. Enumerate Telemachus' problem - why has he called the leaders of Ithaca together?

5. What are the suitors' fears now that Telemachus has escaped their plot in Book 16?

6. In Book 17, why does Telemachus sit amongst Odysseus' old friends when he returns home?

7. Why do the rest of the men (aside from the suitors) gathered at the assembly fail to speak or act in Book 2?

8. Describe Poseidon's attack on Odysseus in Book 5.

9. Why is Eurymachus' offer of recompense not enough for Odysseus?

10. From Helen and Menelaus' stories, what can be said about Odysseus?

(see the answer keys)

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