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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. How long did Thetis stay with Peleus before she returned to the ocean?

2. How does Achilles excuse Patroclus from the oath he swore?

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

4. Where is Deidameia planning to go to, from her home?

5. What are Deidameia’s women famous for?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What leverage do Odysseus and Diomedes use to get Achilles to go to Troy?

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

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

5. How do Achilles and Patroclus get called back to civilization?

6. What gift does Chiron send Achilles to Troy with?

7. Why does Patroclus’ father take him to bid for Tyndareus’ hand in marriage?

8. How does Achilles explain his friendship with Patroclus to Peleus?

9. Describe Achilles’ relationship with Deidameia.

10. What is Patroclus’ status at the opening of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patroclus’ name represents the split in Achilles’ character: it incorporates both Pater (fatherland) and kleos (immortal fame). The part is reprised by Cleopatra, in the story of Meleager. How does Patroclus himself mirror this split in Achilles’ character, and how is the tension between these two choices ultimately resolved?

Essay Topic 2

In what ways is The Song of Achilles relevant to contemporary readers? What contemporary issues are at play in the book, and how would the book contribute to contemporary discussion? Cite specific discussions from contemporary sources, and cite specific instances from the book, that describe its contemporary relevance.

Essay Topic 3

Where is the climax of this book? Are there different climaxes? What questions does each climax resolve? What questions does each climax leave unanswered?

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