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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the first in the hall to notice Odysseus the beggar?

2. Who interprets the sign of the eagle and the goose as Telemachus and Peisistratus are leaving Lacedaemon?

3. Why does Odysseus the beggar say he wants the bow after the suitors have all tried to use it?

4. What time of day do Odysseus and the Phaecians set sail in Book 13?

5. Who sets up the axes for the trial of the bow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The poem ends abruptly because there needs to be an explanation for peace. How does the ending demonstrate this society's belief in the rule of law? Without the intervention of the immortals, would the conflict continue?

Essay Topic 2

In order to be a leader, generally a person must exhibit certain qualities - nobility, honesty, and chivalry just to name a few. Having a good helping of charisma goes a long way as well. Antinous and Eurymachus are leaders among the suitors, a group of men who lack many positive qualities. Compare the two men. Evaluate which is the better man by determining who has more qualities that are positive and defining what those qualities are.

Essay Topic 3

Sociologists can glean quite a bit of information about a culture from surviving literature. Use The Odyssey to illuminate the values of this society. What ideals are valued? What are some distinguishing characteristic of the Ancient Achaeans?

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This section contains 284 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample