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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. When captured by Menelaus, who had been stuck for 20 days, what did this being reveal to him to get his freedom?
(a) Menelaus is told how to get home and acquire more treasure.
(b) Menelaus is told how to get Helen back.
(c) Menelaus is told how to get home, as well as the fate of three of his friends.
(d) Menelaus is told how to get vengeance for his brother.

2. Why does Nausicaa go to the river in Book 6?
(a) She wants to enjoy the day with her maids, playing ball.
(b) She needs to bathe.
(c) She wants to find a husband.
(d) She needs to do the wash for her family.

3. Where is Telemachus going during this journey?
(a) Ephyra and Crete.
(b) Pylos and Ephryra.
(c) Sparta and Taphos.
(d) Sparta and Pylos.

4. In addition to offering advice, what else does Mentes from Taphos give to Telemachus?
(a) He gives a prophecy of the gods.
(b) He brings lavish presents.
(c) He brings a warning to the suitors.
(d) He gives word of Odysseus.

5. Where does Calypso find Odysseus to tell him the news of his ordered release in Book 5?
(a) He's swimming.
(b) He's crying on the beach.
(c) He's out in the forest building a hut.
(d) He's in her grotto asleep.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Odysseus at the beginning of the poem?

2. Which god(dess) visits Telemachus at the beginning of the poem?

3. How does the Cyclops in Book 9 show hospitality?

4. In Book 6, what instructions does Nausicaa give her maids regarding Odysseus?

5. Why, despite taking an oath, does Odysseus' crew slay some cattle of the Sun?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is similar to Odysseus' real plight in his fictional tale to Eumaeus in Book 14?

3. Describe Nestor, King of Pylos.

4. What do the suitors think of Telemachus leaving Ithaca? What are their fears?

5. Does Nausicaa act properly towards Odysseus when giving aid in Book 6?

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

7. How does Calypso feel about releasing Odysseus?

8. Why do the rest of the men (aside from the suitors) gathered at the assembly fail to speak or act in Book 2?

9. Describe Odysseus' bed.

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

(see the answer keys)

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