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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Odysseus is on land after his voyage from Scheria, why doesn't he know where he is?
(a) He's been gone too long.
(b) Athene has spread a cloud, obscurring him.
(c) He is unfamiliar with this part of Ithaca.
(d) The Phaecians brought him to another island.

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

3. How does Odysseus' goatherd, Melanthius, treat Odysseus the beggar and Eumaeus?
(a) He was happy to see the swineherd and interested in Odysseus.
(b) He is suspicious.
(c) He is rude and unkind.
(d) He ignored them.

4. Who gives Odysseus the bow that Penelope is using in her contest for the suitors?
(a) Iphitus.
(b) Orsilochus.
(c) Eurytus.
(d) Hercules.

5. What does Eupeithes seek at the assembly after the lords learn of the slaughter of the suitors?
(a) He wants recompense for his son from Odysseus.
(b) He wants revenge against Odysseus for his son, and the others lost to Odysseus.
(c) He wants the queen to be killed.
(d) He wants Odysseus to go into exile.

6. Where did Menelaus get the gift he gave to Telemachus?
(a) From his wife as a wedding present.
(b) From an immortal when he was close to death.
(c) From a king who sheltered him.
(d) From Troy as a spoil of war.

7. Which suitor eases Penelope's fears for her son in Book 16?
(a) Amphinomus.
(b) Medon.
(c) Eurymachus.
(d) Antinous.

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

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

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

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

12. What gift does Menelaus give to Telemachus as they part company in Book 15?
(a) A cauldron used by the oracles.
(b) A tapestry woven by Athena.
(c) A well-wrought bowl made by Hephaestus.
(d) A pair of mules.

13. How do the suitors view the fight between the two beggars in Book 18?
(a) They think the beggars show their worth behaving in such a manner.
(b) They don't really care about the fight.
(c) They think it is the best entertainment that they've had.
(d) They think the beggars are disgusting, but they can't stop watching it.

14. How does Penelope test the truth of Odysseus the beggar's story regarding Odysseus?
(a) She asks him to describe Odysseus' clothing, his person, and his companions.
(b) She asked the beggar at which games Odysseus excelled.
(c) She asked what Odysseus' ship looked like.
(d) She asks him the month and year he visited with Odysseus.

15. In Book 24, which of the suitors' shades tells the tale of their death to Agamemnon?
(a) Amphimedon.
(b) Amphinomous.
(c) Antinous.
(d) Eurymachus.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. As Odysseus tells Eumaeus his story in Book 14, how does he say he earns a living and makes a name for himself?

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

4. How does Athene disguise Odysseus on Ithaca?

5. To whom does Odysseus pray the next morning after speaking with Penelope alone, looking for a sign?

(see the answer keys)

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