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

Short Answer Questions

1. How many suitors are spared in Book 22 before Eurycleia is summoned for cleaning the hall?

2. Who lets the first spear fly when the mourners come to attack in Book 24?

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

4. Why doesn't Telemachus want his treasures taken to his house?

5. Who does Telemachus first slay among the suitors during the battle in the hall?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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