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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Odysseus the beggar say he wants the bow after the suitors have all tried to use it?
(a) He wants the suitors to warm it up for him.
(b) He wants to try for the lady.
(c) He wants to prove himself worthy of their mercy.
(d) He wants to see how much strength he has left.

2. Who interprets the sign of the eagle and the goose as Telemachus and Peisistratus are leaving Lacedaemon?
(a) Telemachus.
(b) Menelaus.
(c) Peisistratus.
(d) Helen.

3. How does Odysseus' goatherd, Melanthius, treat Odysseus the beggar and Eumaeus?
(a) He ignored them.
(b) He is suspicious.
(c) He was happy to see the swineherd and interested in Odysseus.
(d) He is rude and unkind.

4. Why does Telemachus take Theoclymenus on his ship home?
(a) Theoclymenus is fleeing from punishment.
(b) Telemachus realizes he needs all the allies he can get in Ithaca.
(c) Athena tells him to take the murderer.
(d) Theoclymenus pays him.

5. What is the name Odysseus the beggar gives as his own in Book 19?
(a) Aethon.
(b) Iphitus.
(c) Idomeneus.
(d) Deucalion.

6. What gift does Helen give to Telemachus as he is preparing to leave Lacedaemon?
(a) A jewel that sparkled like a star.
(b) A beautiful embroidered robe for his future bride.
(c) Goblets of silver to use at his wedding feast.
(d) The text never describes her gift.

7. In Book 24, which of the suitors' shades tells the tale of their death to Agamemnon?
(a) Amphimedon.
(b) Amphinomous.
(c) Eurymachus.
(d) Antinous.

8. Since Telemachus dismissed the serving women, how is he able to move the armor in the dark in Book 19?
(a) Athene holds a golden lamp in front of them.
(b) They light torches along the hallway.
(c) Eurycleia helps them out.
(d) Odysseus the beggar carries a torch.

9. As Odysseus tells Eumaeus his story in Book 14, how does he say he earns a living and makes a name for himself?
(a) As a scholar.
(b) As a pirate.
(c) As a soldier.
(d) As a priest.

10. How does Penelope test the truth of Odysseus the beggar's story regarding Odysseus?
(a) She asks him the month and year he visited with Odysseus.
(b) She asked the beggar at which games Odysseus excelled.
(c) She asked what Odysseus' ship looked like.
(d) She asks him to describe Odysseus' clothing, his person, and his companions.

11. Among the suitors, who tried to use the bow first?
(a) Eurymachus.
(b) Antinous.
(c) Leiodes.
(d) Peisander.

12. What gift does Menelaus give to Telemachus as they part company in Book 15?
(a) A tapestry woven by Athena.
(b) A cauldron used by the oracles.
(c) A pair of mules.
(d) A well-wrought bowl made by Hephaestus.

13. In Book 16, Where do Telemachus' gifts go?
(a) The farm.
(b) They were left on the ship.
(c) Clytius' house.
(d) Odysseus' house.

14. At his first feast in his own house, who throws a stool at Odysseus the beggar?
(a) Melanthius.
(b) Antinous.
(c) Eurymachus.
(d) Medon.

15. How is Odysseus, the old stranger, received by the swineherd in Book 14?
(a) With much hospitality despite his appearance.
(b) With indifference - he's only going through the motions.
(c) Poorly - the swineherd sets the dogs on him.
(d) With suspicion - strangers tell tall tales about Odysseus' whereabouts.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Penelope initially react to Eurycleia's news about Odysseus and the suitors?

2. After the first suitor fails to string the bow, what does he recommend?

3. Who sets up the axes for the trial of the bow?

4. How does Athene disguise Odysseus on Ithaca?

5. Who is the first in the hall to notice Odysseus the beggar?

(see the answer keys)

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