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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. 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) They form a phalanx trying to protect themselves.
(d) Everyone wants to be the leader, so they spend their time squabbling.

4. In Book 19, what does Odysseus the beggar tell Penelope has kept Odysseus away so long?
(a) He couldn't find a ship to bring him to Ithaca.
(b) He's been gathering treasure.
(c) He's had a difficult passage.
(d) He's gone to the oracle.

5. What sign does Odysseus give to his father so he believes that Odysseus has returned?
(a) He tells him about his scar.
(b) He tells him about his mother in the underworld.
(c) He tells him about the bed in the palace.
(d) He tells him the number and type of trees growing in the vineyard.

6. Who betrayed Penelope's loom of deceit?
(a) Her slave maids told the suitors after three years.
(b) It took them two years, but they figured it out themselves.
(c) She was caught by the suitors in the fourth year.
(d) She was caught by the suitors after five years.

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

8. Which suitor has a "bad feeling" after Odysseus the beggar tries to warn him of impending danger in Book 18?
(a) Amphinomous.
(b) Peisander.
(c) Eurymachus.
(d) Antinous.

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

10. How does Eumaeus greet Telemachus upon his return in Book 16?
(a) Like a mentor to a prodigy.
(b) Like an employee who loves his boss.
(c) Like a brother.
(d) Like a father to a long lost son.

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

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Theoclymenus tell Penelope about the omen of the birds?

3. How do the suitors view the fight between the two beggars in Book 18?

4. With whom was Eumaeus raised?

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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