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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What makes Irus nervous about his fight with Odysseus the beggar?
(a) The old man has muscular thighs.
(b) The suitors have threatened to drag him out by his feet if he loses.
(c) Athene sends a cold wind to give him a chill.
(d) Irus sees his muscular chest.

2. Who throws an ox-hoof at Odysseus the beggar?
(a) Antinous.
(b) Eurymachus.
(c) Amphinimous.
(d) Ctesippus.

3. Among the suitors, who tried to use the bow first?
(a) Antinous.
(b) Eurymachus.
(c) Leiodes.
(d) Peisander.

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

5. Since Telemachus dismissed the serving women, how is he able to move the armor in the dark in Book 19?
(a) Odysseus the beggar carries a torch.
(b) Eurycleia helps them out.
(c) Athene holds a golden lamp in front of them.
(d) They light torches along the hallway.

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

7. Why does Odysseus find sleep difficult in his home in Book 20?
(a) He wishes to be in his marriage bed.
(b) With the old body that Athene has given, he has many aches and pains.
(c) He picked an uncomfortable spot to keep up his rouse.
(d) He's wondering how he is going to slay the suitors alone.

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

9. What does Theoclymenus tell Penelope about the omen of the birds?
(a) He says that Odysseus is already there, biding his time.
(b) He says that Odysseus won't make it home.
(c) He says that Odysseus will be home soon.
(d) He says that Odysseus is in the hall now, amongst the suitors.

10. When Eurymachus' negotiations fail, what plan do the suitors make to escape from Odysseus' palace alive?
(a) Someone should try the back door and get into town.
(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) They form a phalanx trying to protect themselves.

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

12. Who sets up the axes for the trial of the bow?
(a) Telemachus.
(b) Eurymachus.
(c) Odysseus.
(d) Antinous.

13. Which reveler refuses to give anything to Odysseus the beggar, who has come to witness his first feast?
(a) Medon.
(b) Melanthius.
(c) Eurymachus.
(d) Antinous.

14. According to Penelope, when did Odysseus say it was acceptable for her to remarry?
(a) When Laertes dies.
(b) When Telemachus is a bearded man.
(c) When 21 years have passed.
(d) After Telemachus gets married.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Athene disguise Odysseus on Ithaca?

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

3. How does Eumaeus describe the suitors actions?

4. Who interprets the sign of the eagle and the goose as Telemachus and Peisistratus are leaving Lacedaemon?

5. Once Odysseus realizes he's in Ithaca, what does Athene advise him to do?

(see the answer keys)

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