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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Telemachus skeptical that he and Odysseus can handle the suitors without help?

2. How does Eumaeus greet Telemachus upon his return in Book 16?

3. What will the winner of the beggars' fight in Book 18 get from the suitors?

4. For what does Penelope pray after speaking with Odysseus the beggar in Book 20?

5. Why are there so few boars among Odysseus' swine in Book 14?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The poem ends abruptly because there needs to be an explanation for peace. How does the ending demonstrate this society's belief in the rule of law? Without the intervention of the immortals, would the conflict continue?

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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