View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. What gift does Helen give to Telemachus as he is preparing to leave Lacedaemon?
(a) Goblets of silver to use at his wedding feast.
(b) A beautiful embroidered robe for his future bride.
(c) The text never describes her gift.
(d) A jewel that sparkled like a star.

6. 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 is in the hall now, amongst the suitors.
(c) He says that Odysseus will be home soon.
(d) He says that Odysseus won't make it home.

7. What is Penelope's reaction when she sees Odysseus for the first time after the slaughter of the suitors?
(a) She ignores him.
(b) She cries and falls into his arms.
(c) She looks at him with little reaction.
(d) She coldly questions him.

8. What does Eurymachus offer Odysseus in Book 22 from the remaining suitors to make amends for their behavior at his house for so long?
(a) All of their personal wealth and that of their families.
(b) Cattle, meal, and golden cups.
(c) Twenty oxen and bronze and gold.
(d) Some cattle and some servants.

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

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

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

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

13. In Book 14, where does a disguised Odysseus tell Eumaeus he is from when asked?
(a) Pylos.
(b) Ithaca.
(c) Crete.
(d) Troy.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book 22, which suitor is killed first?

2. How is Odysseus, the old stranger, received by the swineherd in Book 14?

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

4. Why are there so few boars among Odysseus' swine in Book 14?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 637 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample