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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. Who sends a wedding gift of an Arabian mare?

2. Who is the character that is perceptive enough to notice a softening in the ship captain's attitude?

3. What is the thorny issue facing the father of the young woman who is being courted by many suitors?

4. Which character has thirteen suitors?

5. Who exerts a power over the queen that cannot be stopped?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the women of Troy like about the Spartan queen when they first meet her?

2. In Part 2, Chapter 3, what is the dreadful vision that involves the Trojan prince?

3. Despite his courtship efforts, what is Menelaus unaware of?

4. What is the transformation that happens to Helen after she leaves home?

5. What is the most painful decision facing Helen?

6. Describe Helen in Part 1, Chapter 1.

7. What does Penelope notice about Odysseus?

8. What is the reason that Menelaus gives for waging war with Troy?

9. Why will the suitors fight each other with vengeance?

10. Does Theseus like Helen initially?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Paris disappears from the battlefield during the dust storm, he explains that Aphrodite protected him. What other times has he told Helen that Aphrodite compelled him to do something? Explain in a few sentences.

Essay Topic 2

What is the allusion offered by the horse that the Greeks leave behind? How does this contribute to the downfall of the Trojans?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Cassandra and Helen evolves over time. Both women are outcasts because of the decisions they have made and both feel compelled to make these decisions. What are the similarities and differences between these two women? Are they sympathetic to each other? Describe their changing relationship.

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This section contains 679 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample