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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 Patroclus’ strongest feeling toward Achilles, the first time he sees him at his house?

2. What does Thetis say about Odysseus’ insights?

3. How old is Patroclus when he is orphaned?

4. What does Patroclus tell Lycomedes his name is?

5. What is Patroclus doing in his only memory of his mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. What prophecy does Odysseus tell Achilles about the conditions under which he will die?

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

3. Describe Achilles’ homecoming to Phthia.

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

5. Describe Achilles’ relationship with Deidameia.

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

7. How do Achilles and Patroclus come to be close?

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

9. What does Peleus tell his people about the news from Mycenae?

10. How does the news of the war find Achilles and Patroclus on Scyros?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Debate the proposition that Achilles’ fame comes more from his regard for Patroclus and his treatment of Briseis than from his renown in battle.

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of the natural world in The Song of Achilles. What does nature mean to the different characters? Who is close to it? Who protects it? Who is strengthened by it? Does the book say, in any way, what kind of relationship a person should have with the natural world?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 866 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample