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

Short Answer Questions

1. What sign does Odysseus give to his father so he believes that Odysseus has returned?

2. As Odysseus tells Eumaeus his story in Book 14, how does he say he earns a living and makes a name for himself?

3. In addition to Odysseus and Penelope, who knew the secret of the bed?

4. How does the shepherd from the mainland treat Odysseus the beggar when he first meets him at the palace courtyard?

5. What does Eupeithes seek at the assembly after the lords learn of the slaughter of the suitors?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

By personally intervening, Athena shows to Achaeans that both Odysseus and Telemachus are valuable. What does each man possess that is considered important among the Achaeans at this time? Use the text to support your answer.

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 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?

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This section contains 342 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample