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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Telemachus react to his mother's contest in Book 21?
(a) He thinks she's doing the right thing.
(b) He's going to try the bow too.
(c) He's going to try the bow, for if he can wield it, then she can marry whoever she wishes.
(d) He tells her that the suitors are not to touch his father's weapons.

2. What test does Odysseus give his son in Book 16?
(a) He is not to tell a soul that Odysseus has returned to Ithaca alive and well.
(b) Odysseus has instructed Telemachus to find the loyal servants of the house.
(c) Odysseus wants to see if Telemachus can follow the plan.
(d) Odysseus is waiting to see how his son fares in combat.

3. Who tries to help the suitors in Book 22 by grabbing the armor and weapons?
(a) Some slave maids.
(b) Melanthius.
(c) Eurycleia.
(d) Agelaus.

4. What will the winner of the beggars' fight in Book 18 get from the suitors?
(a) The goat paunch and always attend their feasts as the sole beggar.
(b) To be the sole beggar of the house.
(c) Shipped off to King Ecteus, who will cut his nose and ears.
(d) Fed for the week and given a new robe and tunic.

5. What does Odysseus do during the voyage home in Book 13?
(a) Sleeps.
(b) Stands lookout.
(c) Holds the rudder.
(d) Takes to oar.

6. After the first suitor fails to string the bow, what does he recommend?
(a) They should warm up the bow by the fire.
(b) Each man who fails should try for another woman.
(c) They should postpone the contest.
(d) They should pray to Apollo.

7. Once Odysseus realizes he's in Ithaca, what does Athene advise him to do?
(a) Disguise himself and see the suitors.
(b) Hide his goods in a corner of the nearby cave.
(c) Send a secret message to Penelope.
(d) Reveal himself to his loyal swineherd.

8. How does Penelope initially react to Eurycleia's news about Odysseus and the suitors?
(a) She doesn't believe her.
(b) She runs out to see.
(c) She hits her.
(d) She cries for shame.

9. In Book 24, who tells the assembly that an immortal aided Odysseus?
(a) Halitherses.
(b) Medon.
(c) Theoclymenus.
(d) Mentor.

10. In Book 23, now that the fight with the suitors is over, what does Odysseus tell Telemachus to do?
(a) Wash, gather the others and act like there is a wedding feast.
(b) Take a ship to see Menelaus for aid.
(c) Gather the assembly and explain the events before others make decisions.
(d) Fortify the gates and brace for an attack.

11. Who lets the first spear fly when the mourners come to attack in Book 24?
(a) Odysseus.
(b) Eupeithes.
(c) Telemachus.
(d) Laertes.

12. Who is the first in the hall to notice Odysseus the beggar?
(a) Eumaeus.
(b) Telemachus.
(c) Melanthius.
(d) Antinous.

13. How does Eumaeus describe the suitors actions?
(a) Selfish.
(b) Ignorant.
(c) Immature.
(d) Lawless.

14. What ultimately exposes Odysseus' identity to Penelope?
(a) His scar.
(b) He shows her the secret chamber.
(c) They have a secret code which they aggreed on before he left.
(d) His bed.

15. What caused Telemachus to disband the feast after the fight of Irus and Odysseus the beggar?
(a) The food has run out for the evening.
(b) The suitors started fighting among themselves.
(c) Eurymachus throws a stool at Odysseus the beggar.
(d) Eurymachus abused a servant.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Odysseus going in the morning in Book 23, the day after the battle with the suitors?

2. Why does Telemachus take Theoclymenus on his ship home?

3. Why does Odysseus find sleep difficult in his home in Book 20?

4. When Eurymachus' negotiations fail, what plan do the suitors make to escape from Odysseus' palace alive?

5. At his first feast in his own house, who throws a stool at Odysseus the beggar?

(see the answer keys)

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