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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why were Menelaus and his ships stuck for 20 days?
(a) He failed to make a proper sacrifice.
(b) He wanted to acquire more treasure.
(c) No winds stirred.
(d) He was disoriented.

2. According to Teiresias' shade, what will help Odysseus and his crew make it home safely?
(a) They need to stay and question more spirits.
(b) They need to leave the cattle of the sun unharmed when they land on his island.
(c) They need to make a trip to Olympus.
(d) They need to sacrifice one of sun's cattle to appease Poseidon.

3. What form does Athena take to guide Odysseus to Alcinous' palace?
(a) A young girl.
(b) A blind old man.
(c) A servant of the house.
(d) A young page.

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

5. As Odysseus and his men push away from the Cyclops island, what does Odysseus do?
(a) He prays to the gods for deliverance.
(b) He spurs his crew to go faster.
(c) He taunts Polyphemus.
(d) He mourns the loss of his crewmen.

6. According to Circe, how should Odysseus get past the Sirens while listening to their song?
(a) He just shouldn't listen to their song.
(b) He should be taken below deck.
(c) He should be bound to the mast.
(d) He should be fine without any precautions.

7. Telemachus is overrun with ________, who sponge off of him and his estate, making no amends.
(a) Suitors.
(b) Sailors.
(c) Soldiers.
(d) Relatives.

8. Which word best describes Odysseus' initial reaction when Calypso offers to help him in Book 5?
(a) Bewildered.
(b) Skeptical.
(c) Excited.
(d) Angered.

9. What is unique about Demodocus the bard?
(a) He is blind but gifted with delightful song.
(b) He can play a tune he's heard only once.
(c) He is a son of a Muse.
(d) He is completely deaf.

10. According to Book 4, who did Menelaus capture?
(a) Athena.
(b) Poseidon.
(c) Eidothea.
(d) Proteus.

11. Where is Telemachus going during this journey?
(a) Sparta and Taphos.
(b) Sparta and Pylos.
(c) Pylos and Ephryra.
(d) Ephyra and Crete.

12. What does Ino give Odysseus to save his life when he loses his raft to Poseidon?
(a) A ride on dolphins.
(b) A raft.
(c) A magic sail.
(d) A veil.

13. In Book 3, Nestor pledges to sacrifice a gold-tipped _______________ in Athene's honor.
(a) Osprey.
(b) Bull.
(c) Spear.
(d) Heifer.

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

15. In Chapter 12, with his ship destroyed, Odysseus drifts until he reaches _____________.
(a) Scheria.
(b) Ogygia.
(c) Aeaea.
(d) Hades.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whom does Odysseus pray while in the meadow awaiting the appropriate time to arrive at the palace in Book 6?

2. What does the first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades ask him to do?

3. How does Penelope keep from marrying one of the suitors?

4. Why does Nausicaa go to the river in Book 6?

5. Floating with the aid of Ino and safe from Poseidon in Book 5, how does Odysseus make it to dry land when he first sees it?

(see the answer keys)

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