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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 Book 7, why does Athena cloak Odysseus in clouds on his walk to the palace?
(a) She doesn't want Odysseus to get distracted.
(b) Phaecians are so friendly that he might be offered hospitality before he reaches Alcinous' palace.
(c) She doesn't want her uncle, Poseidon, to see that Odysseus has landed safely.
(d) Phaecians don't like strangers.

2. Where is Poseidon coming from when he sees Odysseus on his raft in Book 5?
(a) Egypt.
(b) Ethiopia.
(c) Libya.
(d) Mt. Olympus.

3. In Book 11, who is first to visit Odysseus from the dead?
(a) Teiresias.
(b) Elpenor.
(c) Anticleia.
(d) Persephone.

4. What color yarn does Nausicaa's mother spin?
(a) Sky blue.
(b) Sea purple.
(c) Meadow green.
(d) Sun-drenched gold.

5. As Odysseus and his men push away from the Cyclops island, what does Odysseus do?
(a) He spurs his crew to go faster.
(b) He mourns the loss of his crewmen.
(c) He prays to the gods for deliverance.
(d) He taunts Polyphemus.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Teiresias' shade, what will help Odysseus and his crew make it home safely?

2. Once Ino gives Odysseus help to survive Poseidon assault on the open sea, how many more days does Odysseus drift until he sees land?

3. Athene instructs Nestor to help Telemachus on the next leg of his journey. What does he supply?

4. What is Nestor doing when Telemachus arrives in Pylos?

5. To which goddess does Odysseus compare Nausicaa in Book 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways does Odysseus reveal his crafty mind in his encounter with the cyclops?

2. Explain Odysseus' reaction to Calypso and Ino's help in Book 5.

3. In Book 20, what has happened to Telemachus now that Odysseus has returned?

4. How does a naked Odysseus ask for help among Nausicaa and the maids?

5. What does the story of Ares and Aphrodite teach?

6. Even though Poseidon acknowledges Odysseus's fate, he continues to punish him. Why?

7. How does Calypso feel about releasing Odysseus?

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

9. Is the punishment of the slave maids in Book 22 just and reasonable?

10. Why does Odysseus tell Polyphemus his true name?

(see the answer keys)

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