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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. How does Eurylochus convince Odysseus to land on Thrinacia?

4. In whose grove of poplar trees is Odysseus told to wait before approaching the palace in Book 6?

5. Who tells Telemachus that it's time for him to behave like a man, not a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book 23, Telemachus calls his mother's reaction to Odysseus cold and unfeeling. What does it reveal about her character?

2. Why does Menelaus mourn so much for Odysseus?

3. Which men support Telemachus at the assembly in Book 2? Why do they support him, and how are they treated by the others?

4. How does Telemachus assert himself to his mother during the trial of the bow?

5. Explain Odysseus' reaction to Calypso and Ino's help in Book 5.

6. What does Hercules serves as a reminder for/about?

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

8. Describe Odysseus' bed.

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

10. Why does Odysseus reveal himself to Eumaeus and Philoetius?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Odysseus is gone from home for a long time. He experiences more than most men. Dissect his journey and analyze its parts. Which part of his journey could he have changed easily and, thereby, returned home sooner? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Even though women are afforded very little in terms of respect, if goddesses did not aid Odysseus, he would not have made it home. Reconcile the disparity between their importance to his survival and the view of women in Ancient Greece.

Essay Topic 3

The Odyssey contains a dark side; Odysseus faces many monsters, a witch, and the underworld. What do these elements symbolize and why are they important for Odysseus to experience? Use the text to support your answer.

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This section contains 953 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample