View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why was Menelaus late returning from Troy?
(a) They endured rough seas and wind.
(b) All of the answers are correct.
(c) They were pirating.
(d) His pilot died.

2. In Book 1, who seeks to punish Odysseus interminably?
(a) Hermes.
(b) Zeus.
(c) Poseidon.
(d) Athene.

3. How many youths are chosen for the black ship that Alcinous will provide Odysseus?
(a) 50.
(b) 52.
(c) 22.
(d) 42.

4. Why doesn't Aeolus help Odysseus again?
(a) Odysseus squandered his gift.
(b) Odysseus is destested by the immortals.
(c) Aeolus cannot give the same gift twice.
(d) Odysseus's crew is disobedient.

5. What is unique about Demodocus the bard?
(a) He can play a tune he's heard only once.
(b) He is blind but gifted with delightful song.
(c) He is a son of a Muse.
(d) He is completely deaf.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Halitherses in Book 2, how long will Odysseus be gone before he returns to his friends and family?

2. What advice does Circe give Odysseus regarding Scylla and Charybdis?

3. What is the purpose of Telemachus' quest?

4. What does Odysseus receive from the thirteen kings of Phaecia?

5. How did Odysseus appear after his bath in Book 6?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Calypso feel about releasing Odysseus?

5. Odysseus tells his men about the Sirens. Why doesn't he share Circe's information and advice about Scylla and Charybdis?

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

7. Why does Menelaus mourn so much for Odysseus?

8. Recount the most recent part of Odysseus' story of woe, as told in Book 7.

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

10. Describe Odysseus' bed.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 928 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample