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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. In Book 5, who orders Odysseus' release from Calypso?
(a) Athene.
(b) Hermes.
(c) Poseidon.
(d) Zeus.

5. What does the first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades ask him to do?
(a) Take care of his father, Laertes.
(b) Go back to Aeaea and observe his funeral rites.
(c) Kill one of his men because the gods detest him.
(d) Make more sacrifices at each place he stops.

6. What does Mentes tell Telemachus in Book 1 that he must do?
(a) Make Penelope decide about marriage.
(b) Thrust the suitors from the house.
(c) All answers are correct.
(d) Go on a quest.

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

8. Who helps Telemachus procure a ship and crew to begin his quest?
(a) Laertes.
(b) Halitherses.
(c) Athene.
(d) Mentor.

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

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

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

12. How does Penelope keep from marrying one of the suitors?
(a) She practices prophecy and witchcraft.
(b) She uses sickness and excuses.
(c) She uses cunning and craft.
(d) She employs piety and sacrifice.

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

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

15. Once Ino gives Odysseus help to survive Poseidon assault on the open sea, how many more days does Odysseus drift until he sees land?
(a) Two days.
(b) Three days.
(c) Four days.
(d) Five days.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the subject of Demodocus' first song at Alcinous' feast in Book 8?

2. What is Nausicaa's greatest concern for the trip back to her father's house from the river?

3. How long have the suitors been coming to Odysseus' home?

4. What does Menelaus give to Telemachus when Telemachus politely refuses his other gifts?

5. What advice does Agamemnon give to Odysseus regarding women in Book 11?

(see the answer keys)

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