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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 4, Helen and Menelaus tell tales of Odysseus' exploits in Troy. What story does Helen tell?
(a) The day Odysseus built the Trojan horse.
(b) The day Odysseus got into the city in a beggar's disguise without suspicion.
(c) The day Odysseus took her maid as a hostage to flee Troy.
(d) The day Odysseus brought her from Priam's house.

2. Athene instructs Nestor to help Telemachus on the next leg of his journey. What does he supply?
(a) Nestor gives Telemachus another ship and one of his sons.
(b) Nestor gives Telemachus treasure, a map and one of his sons.
(c) Nestor gives Telemachus supplies and a guide.
(d) Nestor gives Telemachus horses and one of his sons.

3. What does Circe turn Odysseus' crew into in Book 10?
(a) Wolves.
(b) Lions.
(c) Pigs.
(d) Deer.

4. Who interrupts Phemius' sad song of the Achaeans in Book 1?
(a) Penelope.
(b) Mentes.
(c) Telemachus.
(d) Antinous.

5. What does the first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades ask him to do?
(a) Go back to Aeaea and observe his funeral rites.
(b) Kill one of his men because the gods detest him.
(c) Take care of his father, Laertes.
(d) Make more sacrifices at each place he stops.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Athene reveal herself to the men gathered at Nestor's palace?

3. What color yarn does Nausicaa's mother spin?

4. Which word best describes Odysseus' initial reaction when Calypso offers to help him in Book 5?

5. What is the purpose of Telemachus' quest?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the behavior of the suitors at the assembly in Book 2.

3. How does Euryalus insult Odysseus when the Phaeacians are engaging in sport?

4. Why does Telemachus lie to Antinous and Eurymachus, telling them Odysseus is dead?

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

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

7. Describe the suitors' reaction to Telemachus calling a meeting of the assembly in Book 1.

8. In Book 17, what more is discovered about Antinous through his actions towards the beggars?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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