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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Book 13, what else does Alcinous decide to give Odysseus once his tale is over?
(a) More garments.
(b) Some cattle.
(c) A cauldron and a large tripod.
(d) More gold.

2. What time of day do Odysseus and the Phaecians set sail in Book 13?
(a) It doesn't say.
(b) Dawn.
(c) Noon.
(d) Dusk.

3. When Eurymachus' negotiations fail, what plan do the suitors make to escape from Odysseus' palace alive?
(a) They form a phalanx trying to protect themselves.
(b) They want to attack all together then raise the alarm.
(c) Everyone wants to be the leader, so they spend their time squabbling.
(d) Someone should try the back door and get into town.

4. At his first feast in his own house, who throws a stool at Odysseus the beggar?
(a) Melanthius.
(b) Eurymachus.
(c) Antinous.
(d) Medon.

5. Who interprets the sign of the eagle and the goose as Telemachus and Peisistratus are leaving Lacedaemon?
(a) Menelaus.
(b) Helen.
(c) Telemachus.
(d) Peisistratus.

6. Why does Odysseus the beggar say he wants the bow after the suitors have all tried to use it?
(a) He wants to prove himself worthy of their mercy.
(b) He wants to see how much strength he has left.
(c) He wants the suitors to warm it up for him.
(d) He wants to try for the lady.

7. Which suitor scorns Odysseus the beggar at the second feast which he attends, in Book 20?
(a) Antinous.
(b) Eurymachus.
(c) Amphinimous.
(d) Ctesippus.

8. To whom does Odysseus pray the next morning after speaking with Penelope alone, looking for a sign?
(a) Athene.
(b) Artemis.
(c) Hermes.
(d) Zeus.

9. Why doesn't Telemachus want his treasures taken to his house?
(a) He's decided that Peiraeus has earned them.
(b) He doesn't want the suitors to see them.
(c) He's unsure about the situation with the suitors.
(d) He doesn't want his mother to see them.

10. What test does Odysseus give his son in Book 16?
(a) Odysseus is waiting to see how his son fares in combat.
(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) He is not to tell a soul that Odysseus has returned to Ithaca alive and well.

11. Who does Telemachus first slay among the suitors during the battle in the hall?
(a) Antinous.
(b) Peisander.
(c) Eurymachus.
(d) Amphinomous.

12. How does Athene disguise Odysseus on Ithaca?
(a) She makes him look old and dresses him in smelly rags.
(b) She just changes his eyes and hair.
(c) She makes him change his clothes and wear a mask.
(d) She makes him look like Telemachus, since Telemachus in still in Sparta.

13. Where is Telemachus supposed to put all the fighting gear that lies about Odysseus' hall?
(a) He's not to touch it, because it will arouse suspicion.
(b) In a corner of the lofty chamber.
(c) In his mother's room.
(d) In a storage room.

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

15. Why does Telemachus take Theoclymenus on his ship home?
(a) Theoclymenus is fleeing from punishment.
(b) Athena tells him to take the murderer.
(c) Telemachus realizes he needs all the allies he can get in Ithaca.
(d) Theoclymenus pays him.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what does Penelope pray after speaking with Odysseus the beggar in Book 20?

2. Who betrayed Penelope's loom of deceit?

3. How many suitors are spared in Book 22 before Eurycleia is summoned for cleaning the hall?

4. How does Penelope test the truth of Odysseus the beggar's story regarding Odysseus?

5. In addition to Odysseus and Penelope, who knew the secret of the bed?

(see the answer keys)

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