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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. What does Circe turn Odysseus' crew into in Book 10?

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

3. Who led the group which wanted to leave Troy immediately after the war?

4. In whose grove of poplar trees is Odysseus told to wait before approaching the palace in Book 6?

5. In Book 5, who orders Odysseus' release from Calypso?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Homer begin the last book in the halls of the dead?

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

3. Which men support Telemachus at the assembly in Book 2? Why do they support him, and how are they treated by the others?

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

5. How does Euryalus insult Odysseus when the Phaeacians are engaging in sport?

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

7. What is interesting in Penelope's appearance to the suitors after the boxing match between Odysseus and Irus?

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

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

10. Why does Menelaus mourn so much for Odysseus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Homer repeats that Zeus is the friend and patron of strangers and supplicants. Odysseus finds himself at the mercy of others with mixed success. One end of his trip he is cursed for defending himself when mercy isn't shown, and the other end of his trip he is sent home like a god. Why doesn't Zeus punish the cyclops, or why is Odysseus allowed to be punished?

Essay Topic 2

Vengeance and/or law being exercised fuel much of the action in this epic poem. It is an act of vengeance, which keeps Odysseus so long from his homeland? It is an act of vengeance, which slaughters the suitors? It is vengeance, which moves half the men of Ithaca to attack Odysseus on the farm? Where does the death of Odysseus' crew for the cattle of the Sun fit in? Why does Athena condone the slaughter of the suitors? Select three of these acts. Analyze each act, making sure to include mitigating factors, and determine which are criminal and which are legitimate.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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