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

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

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

4. In whose grove of poplar trees is Odysseus told to wait before approaching the palace in Book 6?
(a) Zeus.
(b) Aphrodite.
(c) Athene.
(d) Poseidon.

5. Floating with the aid of Ino and safe from Poseidon in Book 5, how does Odysseus make it to dry land when he first sees it?
(a) He swims until he finds a boat.
(b) He swims until he finds a river.
(c) He swims until he finds a harbor.
(d) He swims until he finds a beach.

Short Answer Questions

1. After leaving the lotus-eaters, what do Odysseus and his ships find in Book 9?

2. How does Eurylochus convince Odysseus to land on Thrinacia?

3. Who first notices Odysseus' clothes in Alcinous' house?

4. In Chapter 12, with his ship destroyed, Odysseus drifts until he reaches _____________.

5. In addition to offering advice, what else does Mentes from Taphos give to Telemachus?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Telemachus assert himself to his mother during the trial of the bow?

2. Why doesn't Odysseus' journey end when he slays the suitors and gets his vengeance in Book 11?

3. Why is Poseidon still upset with Odysseus in Book 13? Why does he now seek vengeance against the Phaecians? What can they do?

4. Describe Odysseus' bed.

5. In what ways was Odysseus' naming prophetic?

6. Describe Nestor, King of Pylos.

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

8. Why does Telemachus take advice from Mentes, a relative stranger to him, in Book 1?

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

10. Why does Odysseus reveal himself to Eumaeus and Philoetius?

(see the answer keys)

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