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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 does Agamemnon respond to Chryses’ offering?

2. What does Agamemnon offer Achilles, in order to fulfill the gods’ desires, and liberate the fleet to sail to Troy?

3. Who does Thetis say will die as a prelude to Achilles’ death?

4. Why does Patroclus want Achilles to claim Briseis?

5. How does Patroclus describe Agamemnon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Achilles’ answer to the situation Agamemnon and Patroclus have set up?

2. Whati s Achilles’ reaction to Patroclus’ interview with Agamemnon?

3. What is it that prevents the Greeks from sailing to Troy from Aulis?

4. How does Thetis help Achilles’ renown when the Greek ships land at Aulis?

5. How does Patroclus try to moderate the effects of Achilles’ withdrawal?

6. What is Patroclus’ relationship with Briseis like?

7. How does Achilles’ relationship to Hector change?

8. How do Achilles and Patroclus differ in their approach to the dead?

9. Why does Patroclus ask Achilles to claim Briseis?

10. How do the Greeks react when Achilles withdraws from the fighting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an evaluative review of The Song of Achilles. What is this book’s place in culture? What are its uses? What are its limitations?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Achilles is great in his own right as a warrior, but he is also the lead actor in a huge supporting cast, and he does not have to be all things to all people. What are the key supporting roles that go into making Achilles the Ariston Achaion?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 904 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample