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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 color yarn does Nausicaa's mother spin?

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

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

4. Who helps Telemachus procure a ship and crew to begin his quest?

5. According to Nestor, who wanted the Achaeans to suffer on the way home from Troy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the circumstances that lead Athene to intervene on Odysseus' behalf at the very beginning of the poem.

2. Why does Menelaus mourn so much for Odysseus?

3. In what ways was Odysseus' naming prophetic?

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

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

6. In Book 20, what has happened to Telemachus now that Odysseus has returned?

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

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

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

10. Is the ending satisfying to readers? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Penelope uses two devices that delay making a decision about marriage and manipulate the suitors. Appraise the effectiveness of each device towards her overall goal. Upon what does each rely? What does each device reveal about her potential husband? Evaluate which device was most useful for her purposes.

Essay Topic 2

The Odyssey contains a dark side; Odysseus faces many monsters, a witch, and the underworld. What do these elements symbolize and why are they important for Odysseus to experience? Use the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Athena, the goddess of wisdom, cleverly lobbies for Odysseus' return home with her uncle is away from Mt. Olympus. Though she does not openly oppose him, her actions aid someone whom Poseidon despises. Who is more powerful? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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