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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is Telemachus skeptical that he and Odysseus can handle the suitors without help?
(a) There are more than 100 suitors haunting their halls.
(b) Odysseus isn't as young as he used to be.
(c) Odysseus has suffered for many years and it's taken a toll on his body.
(d) Telemachus is untried in battle.

2. What time of day do Odysseus and the Phaecians set sail in Book 13?
(a) Dusk.
(b) It doesn't say.
(c) Dawn.
(d) Noon.

3. Why doesn't Eumaeus want the old man to tell him tales of his master?
(a) He's been told not to speak Odysseus' name.
(b) Many travelers will tell tales for food and clothing.
(c) It doesn't look like he has the means to travel.
(d) He's convinced Odysseus is dead.

4. What will the winner of the beggars' fight in Book 18 get from the suitors?
(a) Fed for the week and given a new robe and tunic.
(b) The goat paunch and always attend their feasts as the sole beggar.
(c) To be the sole beggar of the house.
(d) Shipped off to King Ecteus, who will cut his nose and ears.

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

6. How do the suitors view the fight between the two beggars in Book 18?
(a) They don't really care about the fight.
(b) They think the beggars show their worth behaving in such a manner.
(c) They think the beggars are disgusting, but they can't stop watching it.
(d) They think it is the best entertainment that they've had.

7. Who gives Odysseus the bow that Penelope is using in her contest for the suitors?
(a) Eurytus.
(b) Orsilochus.
(c) Iphitus.
(d) Hercules.

8. Which reveler refuses to give anything to Odysseus the beggar, who has come to witness his first feast?
(a) Melanthius.
(b) Eurymachus.
(c) Medon.
(d) Antinous.

9. Where is Telemachus supposed to put all the fighting gear that lies about Odysseus' hall?
(a) He's not to touch it, because it will arouse suspicion.
(b) In his mother's room.
(c) In a storage room.
(d) In a corner of the lofty chamber.

10. Why does Odysseus find sleep difficult in his home in Book 20?
(a) He wishes to be in his marriage bed.
(b) With the old body that Athene has given, he has many aches and pains.
(c) He's wondering how he is going to slay the suitors alone.
(d) He picked an uncomfortable spot to keep up his rouse.

11. What is Penelope's reaction when she sees Odysseus for the first time after the slaughter of the suitors?
(a) She looks at him with little reaction.
(b) She ignores him.
(c) She coldly questions him.
(d) She cries and falls into his arms.

12. When Eurymachus' negotiations fail, what plan do the suitors make to escape from Odysseus' palace alive?
(a) Everyone wants to be the leader, so they spend their time squabbling.
(b) Someone should try the back door and get into town.
(c) They form a phalanx trying to protect themselves.
(d) They want to attack all together then raise the alarm.

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

14. In Book 23, now that the fight with the suitors is over, what does Odysseus tell Telemachus to do?
(a) Fortify the gates and brace for an attack.
(b) Take a ship to see Menelaus for aid.
(c) Wash, gather the others and act like there is a wedding feast.
(d) Gather the assembly and explain the events before others make decisions.

15. According to Book 13, what else does Alcinous decide to give Odysseus once his tale is over?
(a) A cauldron and a large tripod.
(b) More gold.
(c) More garments.
(d) Some cattle.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Telemachus react to his mother's contest in Book 21?

2. In Book 16, Where do Telemachus' gifts go?

3. What is the name Odysseus the beggar gives as his own in Book 19?

4. With whom was Eumaeus raised?

5. As Odysseus tells Eumaeus his story in Book 14, how does he say he earns a living and makes a name for himself?

(see the answer keys)

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