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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 is the intent of the captain of the sailing boat?

2. According to The Third Hymn to Dionysus, why is Dionysus raised in secrecy?

3. Which one of the following is not included in the description of Hermes provided in The Second Hymn to Hermes?

4. How many of the stolen animals does Hermes sacrifice in the caves?

5. What does the first hymn to Hera praise her for?

Short Essay Questions

1. How long ago was the collection of The Homeric Hymns formed, and how many songs were compiled?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. As explained in the Introduction, what is the purpose of The Homeric Hymns?

10. What is the argument between the helmsman and the captain that is described in The Hymn to Dionysus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how and why myths were written to be entertaining using the hymns to provide examples. Also, analyze the possible results of the myths and their effectiveness if they were not designed to be as entertaining, or could not maintain a person's interest.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Compare Zeus and Poseidon in terms of characteristics, skills, reputation, and influence. Also, explain some of the possible reasons why the hymns for both Zeus and Poseidon might have been so short. Use The Hymn to Zeus and The Hymn to Poseidon as a reference to support your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 965 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample