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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. Why did Odysseus and Ajax fight?
(a) It was for the gods' amusement.
(b) It was a sporting contest.
(c) It was contest to win Achilles' armor.
(d) It was for honor after they insulted each other.

2. What does Ino give Odysseus to save his life when he loses his raft to Poseidon?
(a) A ride on dolphins.
(b) A veil.
(c) A magic sail.
(d) A raft.

3. Which god(dess) visits Telemachus at the beginning of the poem?
(a) Hermes.
(b) Zeus.
(c) Kronos.
(d) Athene.

4. Who went disguised as a page in Book 8 throughout the town, encouraging people to hear about the stranger?
(a) Alcinous.
(b) Pontonous.
(c) Odysseus.
(d) Athene.

5. How does Eurylochus react when Odysseus tells his crew to follow him to Circe's house?
(a) He tells the others that Circe will be kind if Odysseus is there.
(b) He tells the others it's a trap.
(c) He tells the others to trust Odysseus.
(d) He tells the others it was Odysseus' fault that the others have perished, and that Odysseus is reckless.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who gets Telemachus' supplies of wine and barley for his quest?

2. Where does Calypso find Odysseus to tell him the news of his ordered release in Book 5?

3. How many youths are chosen for the black ship that Alcinous will provide Odysseus?

4. To whom does Odysseus pray while in the meadow awaiting the appropriate time to arrive at the palace in Book 6?

5. How does Athene reveal herself to the men gathered at Nestor's palace?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Nestor, King of Pylos.

3. Why does Telemachus take advice from Mentes, a relative stranger to him, in Book 1?

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

5. Why does Circe help Odysseus in Book 10?

6. Recount the most recent part of Odysseus' story of woe, as told in Book 7.

7. What does the story of Ares and Aphrodite teach?

8. Describe the behavior of the suitors at the assembly in Book 2.

9. Does Nausicaa act properly towards Odysseus when giving aid in Book 6?

10. What is interesting in Penelope's appearance to the suitors after the boxing match between Odysseus and Irus?

(see the answer keys)

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