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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why was Menelaus late returning from Troy?
(a) They endured rough seas and wind.
(b) They were pirating.
(c) All of the answers are correct.
(d) His pilot died.

2. In Book 6, what instructions does Nausicaa give her maids regarding Odysseus?
(a) They are to wash his clothes too.
(b) They are to keep away from this stranger.
(c) They are to run to get the men for protection.
(d) They are to give him food and drink and bathe him.

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

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

5. Athene instructs Nestor to help Telemachus on the next leg of his journey. What does he supply?
(a) Nestor gives Telemachus horses and one of his sons.
(b) Nestor gives Telemachus supplies and a guide.
(c) Nestor gives Telemachus treasure, a map and one of his sons.
(d) Nestor gives Telemachus another ship and one of his sons.

6. How did Odysseus appear after his bath in Book 6?
(a) Athena made him look younger.
(b) Athena made him look natural.
(c) Athena made him look taller and stouter.
(d) Athena made him look like a hero.

7. What is happening in Lacedaemon when Telemachus arrives?
(a) Menelaus and his household are holding a feast in honor of the gods.
(b) Menelaus is holding a funeral rite for his brother.
(c) Menelaus is celebrating a double marriage.
(d) Menelaus is celebrating the marriage of his daughter.

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

9. Who gets Telemachus' supplies of wine and barley for his quest?
(a) Eurycleia.
(b) Mentor.
(c) Athene.
(d) Penelope.

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

11. What advice does Circe give Odysseus regarding Scylla and Charybdis?
(a) Ply these monsters with a few of his crew.
(b) Take down Scylla with the mast of his ship.
(c) Odysseus will need lots of courage.
(d) Flight is best.

12. 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 taunts Polyphemus.
(c) He spurs his crew to go faster.
(d) He mourns the loss of his crewmen.

13. What is Nestor doing when Telemachus arrives in Pylos?
(a) He is holding a feast in honor of Athene.
(b) He is holding a feast in honor of Zeus.
(c) He is holding a feast in honor of Poseidon.
(d) He is holding a feast in honor of Hermes.

14. What is special about the cattle and flocks of the Sun?
(a) They never die or have young.
(b) They are used for special feasts of the gods.
(c) They are tended by the gods themselves.
(d) They are there for the wanderer to use.

15. What advice does Agamemnon give to Odysseus regarding women in Book 11?
(a) Send your treasures ahead of yourself after so long an absence.
(b) Tell a part and let a part be hid.
(c) Hide your ship and surprise her with your return.
(d) Always be gentle with your wife.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Telemachus stay when Nestor's feast is over?

2. In order to tell Telemachus of Odysseus' fate, where does Menelaus' tale begin?

3. What does Telemachus seek from the assembly above all?

4. What skill are Phaecian men skilled beyond others?

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

(see the answer keys)

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