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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Penelope keep from marrying one of the suitors?
(a) She uses cunning and craft.
(b) She practices prophecy and witchcraft.
(c) She employs piety and sacrifice.
(d) She uses sickness and excuses.

2. What is unique about Demodocus the bard?
(a) He is completely deaf.
(b) He is a son of a Muse.
(c) He can play a tune he's heard only once.
(d) He is blind but gifted with delightful song.

3. In order to tell Telemachus of Odysseus' fate, where does Menelaus' tale begin?
(a) Pharos.
(b) Troy.
(c) Lesbos.
(d) Egypt.

4. What sign is witnessed by the entire assembly when Telemachus calls upon Zeus for justice in Book 2?
(a) Lightning strikes a tree.
(b) Two eagles fly overhead.
(c) Flames burst out in the center of the meeting.
(d) A woman screams and wails.

5. How many men does Odysseus lose to the Cyclops?
(a) 6.
(b) 2.
(c) 8.
(d) 4.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Odysseus and Ajax fight?

2. After leaving the lotus-eaters, what do Odysseus and his ships find in Book 9?

3. Where is Poseidon coming from when he sees Odysseus on his raft in Book 5?

4. What announcement does Telemachus make to the suitors of his hall in Book 1?

5. According to Circe, how should Odysseus get past the Sirens while listening to their song?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the suitors' fears now that Telemachus has escaped their plot in Book 16?

2. In Book 20, why does Athene make the suitors laugh uncontrollably?

3. Recount the most recent part of Odysseus' story of woe, as told in Book 7.

4. What makes Eumaeus a loyal servant and friend?

5. Describe Nestor, King of Pylos.

6. What is similar to Odysseus' real plight in his fictional tale to Eumaeus in Book 14?

7. What does Hercules serves as a reminder for/about?

8. What kind of hospitality does Telemachus offer the old man in Book 16?

9. How does a naked Odysseus ask for help among Nausicaa and the maids?

10. In Book 20, what has happened to Telemachus now that Odysseus has returned?

(see the answer keys)

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