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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 3, Nestor pledges to sacrifice a gold-tipped _______________ in Athene's honor.
(a) Spear.
(b) Heifer.
(c) Osprey.
(d) Bull.

2. According to Book 4, who did Menelaus capture?
(a) Eidothea.
(b) Athena.
(c) Proteus.
(d) Poseidon.

3. How many men does Odysseus lose to the Cyclops?
(a) 8.
(b) 6.
(c) 4.
(d) 2.

4. With which hero did Odysseus first speak in Hades?
(a) Ajax.
(b) Hercules.
(c) Achilles.
(d) Agamemnon.

5. What advice does Agamemnon give to Odysseus regarding women in Book 11?
(a) Always be gentle with your wife.
(b) Tell a part and let a part be hid.
(c) Hide your ship and surprise her with your return.
(d) Send your treasures ahead of yourself after so long an absence.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aeolus give Odysseus in Book 10?

2. According to Circe, how should Odysseus get past the Sirens while listening to their song?

3. What is the subject of Demodocus' first song at Alcinous' feast in Book 8?

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

5. When does the magic cloud disperse from Odysseus?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Athene reveal her presence to Telemachus and Nestor in Book 3?

4. From Helen and Menelaus' stories, what can be said about Odysseus?

5. In Book 17, why does Telemachus sit amongst Odysseus' old friends when he returns home?

6. Describe the exchange between Odysseus and the shepherd boy in Book 13. What does it show about Odysseus' nature?

7. Explain the circumstances that lead Athene to intervene on Odysseus' behalf at the very beginning of the poem.

8. Why is Eurymachus' offer of recompense not enough for Odysseus?

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

10. According to Nestor and Menelaus, was the war worth the cost?

(see the answer keys)

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