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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What invocation to Dionysus ends the third hymn?

2. What happens to the helmsman in The Hymn to Dionysus?

3. In what way does Hermes's mother respond to Hermes' stealing activities?

4. How does The Hymn to Dionysus begin?

5. What type of voice does the author ask Ares to help him restore?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hermes do with the cattle, and how do his mother and Apollo respond?

2. According to The Hymn to the Earth, how do the Earth's blessings manifest?

3. What is unique about the length of The Hymn to Hermes and what is Hermes known for?

4. Based on the story in The Third Hymn to Dionysus, why is Dionysus hidden as a child?

5. What is different about the way The Hymn to Ares begins and what is Ares known for?

6. What interesting request does the poet have for Ares?

7. Where is Dionysus captured in The Hymn to Dionysus?

8. How is the birth and childhood of Dionysus described in The Second Hymn to Dionysus?

9. How does the poet explain Hera's power?

10. What happens to the crew of the sailing ship that captured Dionysus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Hymn to Hermes is the longest hymn of the collection.

1) Describe Hermes's birth, childhood, and characteristics.

2) Explain how Hermes invents the lyre.

3) Describe the theft of Apollo's cattle and the response of Maia, Apollo, and Zeus to Hermes's crime.

Essay Topic 2

Using The Hymn to Hermes as an example, analyze the human element of Greek mythology and why it was necessary in order for people to relate to the stories of the gods. Include an explanation of what happens between Apollo and Hermes after the judgment, the significance or symbolism of the lyre and music, and what Hermes's wand represents.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the possible theories about Homer's life and writings, including why it is believed that he was blind, how this is referred to in the hymns, and the way that his stories may have been recorded. Also, use the information in the Introduction from other historians and writers to provide examples.

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This section contains 829 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample