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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who tells Telemachus that it's time for him to behave like a man, not a child?

2. Where is Telemachus going during this journey?

3. Which of his six remaining sons does Nestor send with Telemachus in Book 3?

4. What is the purpose of Telemachus' quest?

5. What advice does Circe give Odysseus regarding Scylla and Charybdis?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Euryalus insult Odysseus when the Phaeacians are engaging in sport?

2. What does Nestor tell Telemachus of Odysseus during Telemachus' visit in Book 3?

3. Why does Circe help Odysseus in Book 10?

4. What do the suitors think of Telemachus leaving Ithaca? What are their fears?

5. What does Eumaeus think will happen to the old man if he approaches the suitors for work? Why?

6. In what ways does Odysseus reveal his crafty mind in his encounter with the cyclops?

7. Why is Eurymachus' offer of recompense not enough for Odysseus?

8. From Helen and Menelaus' stories, what can be said about Odysseus?

9. Why does Telemachus take advice from Mentes, a relative stranger to him, in Book 1?

10. What causes Odysseus' crew to open Aeolus' gift?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Homer repeats that Zeus is the friend and patron of strangers and supplicants. Odysseus finds himself at the mercy of others with mixed success. One end of his trip he is cursed for defending himself when mercy isn't shown, and the other end of his trip he is sent home like a god. Why doesn't Zeus punish the cyclops, or why is Odysseus allowed to be punished?

Essay Topic 2

Evaluate Odysseus as hero. Is he a worthy hero or is he too selfish? Use evidence from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Most literary works have an antagonist. Is there one in The Odyssey? Explain your answer using the text.

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This section contains 877 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample