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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who sets up the axes for the trial of the bow?

2. How does Odysseus' goatherd, Melanthius, treat Odysseus the beggar and Eumaeus?

3. Who tries to help the suitors in Book 22 by grabbing the armor and weapons?

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

5. How does Penelope initially react to Eurycleia's news about Odysseus and the suitors?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Sociologists can glean quite a bit of information about a culture from surviving literature. Use The Odyssey to illuminate the values of this society. What ideals are valued? What are some distinguishing characteristic of the Ancient Achaeans?

Essay Topic 3

In order to be a leader, generally a person must exhibit certain qualities - nobility, honesty, and chivalry just to name a few. Having a good helping of charisma goes a long way as well. Antinous and Eurymachus are leaders among the suitors, a group of men who lack many positive qualities. Compare the two men. Evaluate which is the better man by determining who has more qualities that are positive and defining what those qualities are.

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This section contains 291 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample