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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In Book 1, who seeks to punish Odysseus interminably?

3. Why does Athena speak to Nausicaa in her dreams?

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

5. What does the first spirit to visit Odysseus in Hades ask him to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Odysseus discovered by the maids of Phaecia?

2. Describe Eurylochus' actions in Book 12. What kind of man is he?

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

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

5. Describe Nestor, King of Pylos.

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

7. What causes Odysseus' crew to open Aeolus' gift?

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

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

10. What makes Eumaeus a loyal servant and friend?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The immortals personify the natural elements on Earth. As nature, they are omnipresent and humans are subject to their whims and their will. In many ways, this is the story of man vs. nature. Discuss various examples of how the gods through nature challenge Odysseus, and how he is able to overcome nature.

Essay Topic 2

Homer allows the reader to sympathize with a couple of suitors - those who feel remorse and portend ill. Yet all are slaughtered. Why does Athena make a point of keeping those men at the hall? Why is her punishment so absolute? It is an appropriate punishment? Discuss the misdeeds of the suitors in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Sociologists can glean quite a bit of information about a culture from surviving literature. Use The Odyssey to illuminate the values of this society. What ideals are valued? What are some distinguishing characteristic of the Ancient Achaeans?

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