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

Short Answer Questions

1. What ultimately exposes Odysseus' identity to Penelope?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Disguise is an important trick Athena uses to aid Odysseus.

1) Discuss the three different types of disguises she uses to hide Odysseus.

2) Discuss the kinds of disguises she uses for herself.

3) What is the significance of disguise to the entire poem?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 348 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample