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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 color cloak is Paris clothed in?

2. Who would be Ariston Achaion if Achilles were not?

3. Why does Hector fight the Trojans?

4. How do the Greeks realize that Agamemnon was wrong to take Briseis from Achilles?

5. How many ships actually sailed for Troy to recapture Helen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Achilles visits his mother to learn more about the prophecy regarding his death. What is his response to this visit and Thetis’ news?

2. What is Achilles’ experiences of raiding like?

3. Describe the Greeks’ arrival in Troy.

4. How does Chriseis create a crisis for the Greeks?

5. Why does Patroclus ask Achilles to claim Briseis?

6. What are Patroclus’ feelings during the crisis over Chriseis and Briseis?

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

8. What does Patroclus’ accomplish in his interview with Agamemnon?

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

10. What is Patroclus’ relationship with Briseis like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the difference between Achilles and Agamemnon’s characters. How are they similar, how are they different? What are the essential differences between them? Are these two characters who ultimately need each other, or are they the type of people who need to be kept apart for danger of conflict and potential tragedy?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Analyze the role of women in The Song of Achilles. How are they portrayed? What traits distinguish them from the men? What flexibility do the female characters have, to change how they are perceived, or to exceed the rules for women?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 962 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample