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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

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

5. In addition to Odysseus and Penelope, who knew the secret of the bed?
(a) Actoris.
(b) Eurycleia.
(c) Telemachus.
(d) Laertes.

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

7. How is Odysseus, the old stranger, received by the swineherd in Book 14?
(a) With much hospitality despite his appearance.
(b) With suspicion - strangers tell tall tales about Odysseus' whereabouts.
(c) With indifference - he's only going through the motions.
(d) Poorly - the swineherd sets the dogs on him.

8. Why doesn't Eumaeus want the old man to tell him tales of his master?
(a) He's convinced Odysseus is dead.
(b) He's been told not to speak Odysseus' name.
(c) Many travelers will tell tales for food and clothing.
(d) It doesn't look like he has the means to travel.

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

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

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

12. How many suitors are spared in Book 22 before Eurycleia is summoned for cleaning the hall?
(a) 1.
(b) None.
(c) 2.
(d) 3.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What test does Odysseus give his son in Book 16?

2. How does Telemachus react to his mother's contest in Book 21?

3. Where is Telemachus supposed to put all the fighting gear that lies about Odysseus' hall?

4. In Book 19, what does Odysseus the beggar tell Penelope has kept Odysseus away so long?

5. In Book 23, now that the fight with the suitors is over, what does Odysseus tell Telemachus to do?

(see the answer keys)

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