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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Odysseus have to go to Hades in Book 10?
(a) It's the gateway home.
(b) To see Teiresias who will tell him how to get home.
(c) He must see Hades and Persephone to ask for help.
(d) He must see the fallen heroes to ask for advice.

2. In order to tell Telemachus of Odysseus' fate, where does Menelaus' tale begin?
(a) Egypt.
(b) Lesbos.
(c) Pharos.
(d) Troy.

3. What is the subject of Demodocus' first song at Alcinous' feast in Book 8?
(a) The famous quarrel between Odysseus and Achilles.
(b) The end of the Trojan war.
(c) The tragic end of Agamemnon.
(d) The deeds and misdeeds of the gods.

4. Who interrupts Phemius' sad song of the Achaeans in Book 1?
(a) Mentes.
(b) Penelope.
(c) Antinous.
(d) Telemachus.

5. Who tells Telemachus that it's time for him to behave like a man, not a child?
(a) Penelope.
(b) Laertes.
(c) Antinous.
(d) Mentes.

6. What does Circe turn Odysseus' crew into in Book 10?
(a) Deer.
(b) Lions.
(c) Pigs.
(d) Wolves.

7. Who reads the sign given while Telemachus calls upon Zeus in Book 2?
(a) Halitherses.
(b) Aegyptius.
(c) Mentor.
(d) Eurymachus.

8. In which contest in Book 8 does Odysseus first outstrip all others?
(a) Discus.
(b) Archery.
(c) Boxing.
(d) Running.

9. How many times has the meeting of the assembly occurred since Odysseus left?
(a) Once.
(b) Ten times.
(c) Five times.
(d) It doesn't say.

10. Why did Odysseus and Ajax fight?
(a) It was a sporting contest.
(b) It was for the gods' amusement.
(c) It was contest to win Achilles' armor.
(d) It was for honor after they insulted each other.

11. Penelope learns about the suitors' plan for Telemachus from a page, but what does she learn from her sister's phantom?
(a) Telemachus is wise beyond his years.
(b) Telemachus is guided by Athene.
(c) Telemachus isn't coming back.
(d) Telemachus is bringing an army.

12. In Book 1, who seeks to punish Odysseus interminably?
(a) Athene.
(b) Poseidon.
(c) Hermes.
(d) Zeus.

13. How did Odysseus anger the god(dess) who seeks to punish him in Book 1?
(a) He killed his own crew.
(b) He slaughtered some horses.
(c) He poked a cyclops' eye out.
(d) He failed to make a proper sacrifice.

14. How many youths are chosen for the black ship that Alcinous will provide Odysseus?
(a) 22.
(b) 42.
(c) 52.
(d) 50.

15. What does Menelaus give to Telemachus when Telemachus politely refuses his other gifts?
(a) A polished car.
(b) A goodly cup.
(c) A well-wrought silver bowl.
(d) Soldiers with which to vanquish the suitors.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Nestor tell Telemachus about his relationship with Odysseus?

2. How many men does Odysseus lose to the Cyclops?

3. What does Odysseus receive from the thirteen kings of Phaecia?

4. How does the Cyclops in Book 9 show hospitality?

5. Which god(dess) visits Telemachus at the beginning of the poem?

(see the answer keys)

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