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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. What does Thetis advise Achilles to do?

2. Achilles tells Patroclus that he is not fighting because of what?

3. Who wins the armor of Achilles?

4. What goddess gives the horses a voice?

5. Which two Greeks carry Patroclus's body out of the battlefield and to the ships after Patroclus dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. What god does Achilles make angry in Book 21, and what does the god do in retaliation?

2. Why does Zeus let his attention drift from the battlefield?

3. When Hector returns to the fighting after being advised by Poulydamas, what does Ajax say and what sign does Hector dismiss?

4. How is Patroclus killed?

5. Why is Achilles' mother sad when she speaks to Achilles after Patroclus' death?

6. As the Trojans set fire to more Greek ships, what does Achilles do to help Patroclus and the Greeks?

7. Why does Zeus allow the gods back into the battle?

8. What gift does Achilles' mother bring him before he goes to fight?

9. What are the gods doing in Book 21 while the mortals are fighting a battle?

10. Why does pride contribute to Hector's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are some of the tests that characters have issued to other characters in The Iliad? What was the point of these tests? By providing these contrasts, does Homer think that human nature can change, or that it stays the same?

Essay Topic 2

There are many points during the story that the war between the Trojans and the Greeks comes to a halt, or has almost ended. Please pick two times during the story that this is true, and write about what has stopped the war from ending. Make sure to support your answer with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

The symbols in The Iliad are numerous. Pick a symbol and discuss its importance to the characters in the book.

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This section contains 609 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample