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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. According to the poet, what type of sign is the monthly occurrence of a full moon?

2. What is Anchises's initial reaction when he learns Aphrodite's true identity?

3. What prayer does the poet make in The Hymn to Poseidon?

4. When does Aphrodite say that Aeneas, the child she has with Anchises, will be able to return to earth?

5. Based on the information provided in The Hymns to the Dioscuri, who do Castor and Pollux protect?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of goddess is Demeter and how many hymns are dedicated to her?

2. How does Anchises respond to Aphrodite's true identity and what is the result of their affair?

3. Who is Hephaistos and what is he known for?

4. How many hymns are written about Hestia and what is she praised for?

5. What is Aphrodite known for, and which three goddesses cannot be influenced by her?

6. What happens to Demeter's daughter and how does Demeter initially respond?

7. What metaphor is used to describe the sun in The Hymn to the Sun?

8. Who assists the poet in the beginning of The Hymn to the Moon, and what is the moon's name?

9. What are the main characteristics of Athena?

10. What metaphor is used to describe the moon in The Hymn to the Moon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chronicle the development of Ancient Greek lyrical poetry, the development of the Greek alphabet, how stories might have been created before it, and the different styles used to distinguish the epic poems from other writings. Include an explanation of the forms used in Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey as a comparison to the writing in other ages and how Homer's work is used to support the theory of the existence of Homeric bards.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the possible theories about Homer's life and writings, including why it is believed that he was blind, how this is referred to in the hymns, and the way that his stories may have been recorded. Also, use the information in the Introduction from other historians and writers to provide examples.

Essay Topic 3

Compare Zeus and Poseidon in terms of characteristics, skills, reputation, and influence. Also, explain some of the possible reasons why the hymns for both Zeus and Poseidon might have been so short. Use The Hymn to Zeus and The Hymn to Poseidon as a reference to support your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

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