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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 the name of the child born to the rulers of Sparta?

2. Who sees the fleeing lovers at the temple of Aphrodite?

3. Who acts generously when the ransom is brought and deflects conflict?

4. Which character has thirteen suitors?

5. What area is the gateway to Asia Minor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Helen in Part 1, Chapter 1.

2. What news does Penelope receive that troubles her?

3. Why will the suitors fight each other with vengeance?

4. What is the reason that Menelaus gives for waging war with Troy?

5. What is the role played by Clytemnestra during the royal courtship?

6. What do the women of Troy like about the Spartan queen when they first meet her?

7. In response to one twin's fearful vision, what does the other twin suggest as a plan of action?

8. What gifts does Theseus send to the newly married couple?

9. What is Odysseus' plan to choose a suitor?

10. What is Helen envious about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Helen changes from being an impulsive and immature young girl to a poised, confident, and attractive young woman under Theseus' guidance. What does this transformation offer Helen? How does her experience and interactions with other people change?

Essay Topic 2

Both Helen and Penelope are important female characters in the beginning of the book.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Penelope has a direct influence upon? What are some events that Helen has a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character wields more influence in society? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 3

The point of view in the story is generally that of Helen, Cassandra, or other women but sometimes shifts to other characters. Give an examples of where it shifts and how that affects the telling of the story.

(see the answer keys)

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