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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why doesn't the other Cyclops help Polyphemus in Book 9?
(a) They couldn't get past the boulder guarding the opening of his cave.
(b) He always screams, so they didn't believe him.
(c) Polyphemus said "No man is murdering me."
(d) He never helps anyone else.

2. In addition to offering advice, what else does Mentes from Taphos give to Telemachus?
(a) He gives word of Odysseus.
(b) He brings lavish presents.
(c) He gives a prophecy of the gods.
(d) He brings a warning to the suitors.

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

4. How does Eurylochus react when Odysseus tells his crew to follow him to Circe's house?
(a) He tells the others it's a trap.
(b) He tells the others that Circe will be kind if Odysseus is there.
(c) He tells the others it was Odysseus' fault that the others have perished, and that Odysseus is reckless.
(d) He tells the others to trust Odysseus.

5. Why, despite taking an oath, does Odysseus' crew slay some cattle of the Sun?
(a) They've run out of food.
(b) They're bored.
(c) They don't care about the warning Odysseus issued.
(d) Eurylochus says that Odysseus is keeping the cattle for himself.

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

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

8. Where does Calypso find Odysseus to tell him the news of his ordered release in Book 5?
(a) He's out in the forest building a hut.
(b) He's crying on the beach.
(c) He's in her grotto asleep.
(d) He's swimming.

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

10. During this assembly, who does Antinous blame for Telemachus' problem?
(a) Telemachus.
(b) The gods.
(c) Odysseus.
(d) Penelope.

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

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

13. How does Athene reveal herself to the men gathered at Nestor's palace?
(a) She transforms into an osprey before their eyes.
(b) She transforms into mist before their eyes.
(c) She transforms into a horse before their eyes.
(d) She transforms into a heifer before their eyes.

14. What does Odysseus receive from the thirteen kings of Phaecia?
(a) A chest of gold each, and a well-wrought libations cup.
(b) A slave and a chest of gold.
(c) A chest of gold and a chest of silver.
(d) A spotless robe and tunic and a talent of gold.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. As a result of the meeting of the assembly in Book 2, what do the suitors decide to do?

2. As Odysseus and his men push away from the Cyclops island, what does Odysseus do?

3. Having left Ogygia and survived Poseidon's attack, what is Odysseus' new problem, now that he spots land?

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

5. Where is Poseidon coming from when he sees Odysseus on his raft in Book 5?

(see the answer keys)

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