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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. Making it different than many of the other hymns, how does The Hymn to Ares begin?

2. What meter are the hymns composed in?

3. What type of nourishment of humanity does the Earth have according to the first hymn?

4. Which one of the following is not something that Hermes was known as?

5. How is Artemis's dancing described in the hymn?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Artemis's beauty portrayed in The Second Hymn to Artemis.

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

3. What does Hermes steal from Apollo and how does he do it?

4. Why do some historians think that Homer did not actually write his poems?

5. Who assists the poet in The Hymn to the Mother of the Gods, and what does it refer to?

6. What happens during and after the "trial" of Hermes?

7. What is Artemis's skill and how is it described?

8. What are the circumstances surrounding Pan's birth and how is he described in The Hymn to Pan?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Muses are an important part of the connection between the gods/goddesses and humanity.

1) Describe the influence of the Muses and what areas of life they affect.

2) Explain who the main people are that are influenced by the Muses and why.

3) Describe the ways that the Muses are included in hymns (besides The Hymn to the Muses) and the value of their participation.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The Hymn to Ares introduces a thought provoking theory about war and peace.

1) Describe how The Hymn to Ares is different in style from the other hymns in the collection and the possible reasons why the poet chose to write it in this style.

2) Explain what Ares is known for and why the poet thinks Ares can provide help in gaining courage.

3) Analyze the request made by the poet at the end of The Hymn to Ares and the idea of how fighting wars might lead to peace.

(see the answer keys)

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