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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Menelaus first reveal regarding Odysseus when Telemachus tells Menelaus who he is and the purpose of his visit?
(a) Odysseus is not worth anyone's tears.
(b) Telemachus looks nothing like his father.
(c) Odysseus' problems are his own.
(d) He would have given Odysseus a city upon his return from Troy.

2. After his battle with Poseidon in Book 5, where does Odysseus find shelter in the land on which he has just arrived?
(a) He decides to go into the hills to find a cave.
(b) He creates a makeshift shelter with nearby debris.
(c) A man approaches and shows him a place used by hunters.
(d) He goes into the woods and finds a couple of shrubs to provide shelter and comfort.

3. According to Nestor, who wanted the Achaeans to suffer on the way home from Troy?
(a) Athene.
(b) Kronos.
(c) Zeus.
(d) Poseidon.

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

5. Who went disguised as a page in Book 8 throughout the town, encouraging people to hear about the stranger?
(a) Pontonous.
(b) Odysseus.
(c) Alcinous.
(d) Athene.

6. Who led the group which wanted to leave Troy immediately after the war?
(a) Odysseus.
(b) Menelaus.
(c) Ajax.
(d) Nestor.

7. When captured by Menelaus, who had been stuck for 20 days, what did this being reveal to him to get his freedom?
(a) Menelaus is told how to get home, as well as the fate of three of his friends.
(b) Menelaus is told how to get Helen back.
(c) Menelaus is told how to get home and acquire more treasure.
(d) Menelaus is told how to get vengeance for his brother.

8. Having left Ogygia and survived Poseidon's attack, what is Odysseus' new problem, now that he spots land?
(a) All answers are correct.
(b) The sea is deep as it ends abruptly on the steep bluff.
(c) The coast is a bluff and jagged reefs.
(d) There is no safe harbor.

9. Which of his six remaining sons does Nestor send with Telemachus in Book 3?
(a) Perseus.
(b) Thrasymedes.
(c) Peisistratus.
(d) Arteus.

10. Where is Odysseus at the beginning of the poem?
(a) Ithaca.
(b) Pylos.
(c) Taphos.
(d) Ogygia.

11. 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?
(a) He swims until he finds a beach.
(b) He swims until he finds a boat.
(c) He swims until he finds a river.
(d) He swims until he finds a harbor.

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

13. Calypso gives Odysseus many things to help him on his way including supplies for making his ship, provisions for his journey, and a(n) _____________.
(a) Enchanted sail.
(b) Gentle breeze.
(c) Rudder.
(d) Oarsmen.

14. How does Eurylochus convince Odysseus to land on Thrinacia?
(a) Odysseus is reckless and has lost a lot of crew. They don't trust what he says.
(b) Odysseus is out of touch with his crew.
(c) His men are tired and hungry. They need a break from the sea.
(d) They might not see land for days.

15. In Book 11, who is first to visit Odysseus from the dead?
(a) Teiresias.
(b) Anticleia.
(c) Elpenor.
(d) Persephone.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Telemachus going during this journey?

2. What does Aeolus give Odysseus in Book 10?

3. Where did Nestor last see Odysseus?

4. With which hero did Odysseus first speak in Hades?

5. In Book 1, who seeks to punish Odysseus interminably?

(see the answer keys)

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