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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 do the suitors view the fight between the two beggars in Book 18?

3. How does Eumaeus describe the suitors actions?

4. Where is Odysseus going in the morning in Book 23, the day after the battle with the suitors?

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

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

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 3

This poem contains the stories of five pairs of husbands and wives. Explain what is to be learned about marriage from each pair. This should also include a discussion of the roles of men and women.

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This section contains 332 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample