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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 privilege does Achilles extend to Patroclus in the dining hall after their return?

2. Who points out the problems that might arise from jealous suitors regarding Helen?

3. Why is Patroclus threatened with punishment at Peleus’ house?

4. How would you characterize the dynamic between Achilles and Patroclus?

5. What does Achilles teach Patroclus to do, on the first night Patroclus sleeps in his room?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Achilles’ identity unmasked?

2. Describe Achilles’ relationship with Deidameia.

3. What conundrum is Patroclus caught in, now that the army will be going to Troy?

4. What is the important question Chiron asks Achilles, and what is Achilles’ response?

5. How does Patroclus end up fighting Achilles, and what is the outcome?

6. Describe Patroclus’ interaction with Achilles’ mother Thetis.

7. What question does Odysseus pose to Tyndareus, to complicate the suits for Helen’s hand?

8. What does Chiron offer to teach Patroclus and Achilles, and what is Patroclus most interested in learning from him?

9. How does Patroclus’ life change when he arrives at Peleus’ court?

10. Describe Deidameia’s relationship with Patroclus.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character sketch of the author based on her style and content. What values does she hold dear? What are her hopes and fears? What kind of person do you think she is? Anchor your sketch in passages in the book.

Essay Topic 2

What topics would you like to research further, after reading The Song of Achilles? Describe why additional research or reading would be beneficial to an understanding of this book. Propose a list of articles or books you would read in order to get a better handle on The Song of Achilles.

Essay Topic 3

Evaluate your own reading of The Song of Achilles—did you resist it, or were you compelled by the story? What does your reading tell you about yourself and your interests? Use specific examples from the book to describe yourself as a reader.

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