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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Which suitor eases Penelope's fears for her son in Book 16?
(a) Eurymachus.
(b) Antinous.
(c) Medon.
(d) Amphinomus.

4. What caused Telemachus to disband the feast after the fight of Irus and Odysseus the beggar?
(a) The food has run out for the evening.
(b) The suitors started fighting among themselves.
(c) Eurymachus abused a servant.
(d) Eurymachus throws a stool at Odysseus the beggar.

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

6. Who tries to help the suitors in Book 22 by grabbing the armor and weapons?
(a) Agelaus.
(b) Eurycleia.
(c) Melanthius.
(d) Some slave maids.

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

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

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

10. How does Eumaeus greet Telemachus upon his return in Book 16?
(a) Like an employee who loves his boss.
(b) Like a father to a long lost son.
(c) Like a brother.
(d) Like a mentor to a prodigy.

11. Where did Menelaus get the gift he gave to Telemachus?
(a) From a king who sheltered him.
(b) From an immortal when he was close to death.
(c) From his wife as a wedding present.
(d) From Troy as a spoil of war.

12. 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.

13. How does Telemachus react to his mother's contest in Book 21?
(a) He's going to try the bow, for if he can wield it, then she can marry whoever she wishes.
(b) He's going to try the bow too.
(c) He thinks she's doing the right thing.
(d) He tells her that the suitors are not to touch his father's weapons.

14. What does Eupeithes seek at the assembly after the lords learn of the slaughter of the suitors?
(a) He wants recompense for his son from Odysseus.
(b) He wants Odysseus to go into exile.
(c) He wants the queen to be killed.
(d) He wants revenge against Odysseus for his son, and the others lost to Odysseus.

15. How does the shepherd from the mainland treat Odysseus the beggar when he first meets him at the palace courtyard?
(a) He greets him.
(b) He treats the beggar rudely.
(c) He ignores him completely.
(d) He shows the beggar honor and respect.

Short Answer Questions

1. What sign does Odysseus give to his father so he believes that Odysseus has returned?

2. Why does Odysseus the beggar say he wants the bow after the suitors have all tried to use it?

3. What does Odysseus do during the voyage home in Book 13?

4. Among the suitors, who tried to use the bow first?

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

(see the answer keys)

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