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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. Which word best describes Odysseus' initial reaction when Calypso offers to help him in Book 5?
(a) Bewildered.
(b) Angered.
(c) Excited.
(d) Skeptical.

2. In Book 3, Nestor pledges to sacrifice a gold-tipped _______________ in Athene's honor.
(a) Osprey.
(b) Bull.
(c) Spear.
(d) Heifer.

3. Where does Telemachus stay when Nestor's feast is over?
(a) In the woods near Nestor's house.
(b) Beneath the portico at Nestor's house.
(c) With his men aboard the ship.
(d) In Nestor's garden.

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

5. Why did Odysseus and Ajax fight?
(a) It was for honor after they insulted each other.
(b) It was a sporting contest.
(c) It was contest to win Achilles' armor.
(d) It was for the gods' amusement.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Menelaus give to Telemachus when Telemachus politely refuses his other gifts?

3. To whom does Odysseus pray while in the meadow awaiting the appropriate time to arrive at the palace in Book 6?

4. What is the purpose of Telemachus' quest?

5. Who speaks up in Book 7 to ask that Odysseus be given a seat in the court of Alcinous since he has come as a supplicant?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Book 23, Telemachus calls his mother's reaction to Odysseus cold and unfeeling. What does it reveal about her character?

3. Why does Odysseus reveal himself to Eumaeus and Philoetius?

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

5. Why does Menelaus mourn so much for Odysseus?

6. Why does Odysseus tell Polyphemus his true name?

7. In Book 17, what more is discovered about Antinous through his actions towards the beggars?

8. According to Nestor and Menelaus, was the war worth the cost?

9. Why does Athene reveal her presence to Telemachus and Nestor in Book 3?

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

(see the answer keys)

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