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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In order to tell Telemachus of Odysseus' fate, where does Menelaus' tale begin?
(a) Lesbos.
(b) Pharos.
(c) Egypt.
(d) Troy.

2. What does Odysseus receive from the thirteen kings of Phaecia?
(a) A spotless robe and tunic and a talent of gold.
(b) A slave and a chest of gold.
(c) A chest of gold each, and a well-wrought libations cup.
(d) A chest of gold and a chest of silver.

3. After his battle with Poseidon in Book 5, where does Odysseus find shelter in the land on which he has just arrived?
(a) A man approaches and shows him a place used by hunters.
(b) He goes into the woods and finds a couple of shrubs to provide shelter and comfort.
(c) He creates a makeshift shelter with nearby debris.
(d) He decides to go into the hills to find a cave.

4. How many youths are chosen for the black ship that Alcinous will provide Odysseus?
(a) 52.
(b) 50.
(c) 22.
(d) 42.

5. Why does Athena speak to Nausicaa in her dreams?
(a) She wants Nausicaa to prepare for her upcoming marriage.
(b) She wants to tell Nausicaa that she hasn't been a good daughter or sister since she hasn't washed the clothes.
(c) She wants Nausicaa to discover Odysseus.
(d) She wants others to know that Nausicaa has a connection with the immortals.

Short Answer Questions

1. Having left Ogygia and survived Poseidon's attack, what is Odysseus' new problem, now that he spots land?

2. What does Circe turn Odysseus' crew into in Book 10?

3. Where does Calypso find Odysseus to tell him the news of his ordered release in Book 5?

4. What does Ino give Odysseus to save his life when he loses his raft to Poseidon?

5. Telemachus is overrun with ________, who sponge off of him and his estate, making no amends.

Short Essay Questions

1. Odysseus tells his men about the Sirens. Why doesn't he share Circe's information and advice about Scylla and Charybdis?

2. In Book 15, why does Peisistratus let Telemachus go without seeing Nestor again? Is this wise?

3. Describe Nestor, King of Pylos.

4. Is it necessary for Odysseus to threaten Eurycleia when she recognizes him?

5. What are the suitors' fears now that Telemachus has escaped their plot in Book 16?

6. Describe Poseidon's attack on Odysseus in Book 5.

7. Describe Eurylochus' actions in Book 12. What kind of man is he?

8. Why does Odysseus tell Polyphemus his true name?

9. Enumerate Telemachus' problem - why has he called the leaders of Ithaca together?

10. Is the ending satisfying to readers? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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