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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. How does the narrative change after Patroclus’ death?

2. After finally leaving for Troy, what does Achilles want to know about Patroclus’ childhood?

3. How does the duel between Menelaus and Paris end?

4. What does Achilles kill while he is talking with Patroclus about war?

5. What does Patroclus promise Achilles as he rides into battle?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Patroclus try to moderate the effects of Achilles’ withdrawal?

2. How do Achilles and Patroclus differ in their approach to the dead?

3. How does Achilles’ relationship to Hector change?

4. What is Achilles’ answer to the situation Agamemnon and Patroclus have set up?

5. What is Patroclus’ experience of fighting?

6. What is Achilles’ experiences of raiding like?

7. Whati s Achilles’ reaction to Patroclus’ interview with Agamemnon?

8. Why do the Greeks adopt the strategy of raiding around Troy instead of negotiating?

9. What does Patroclus’ accomplish in his interview with Agamemnon?

10. What is Patroclus’ relationship with Briseis like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways is The Song of Achilles relevant to contemporary readers? What contemporary issues are at play in the book, and how would the book contribute to contemporary discussion? Cite specific discussions from contemporary sources, and cite specific instances from the book, that describe its contemporary relevance.

Essay Topic 2

Debate the proposition Chiron articulates, that no life matters more than any other. Patroclus says that there is no solution to this question, that whichever way you choose, you lose. Is there are an answer to the question, of whether this statement is correct? What must one lose in answering it one way or another?

Essay Topic 3

Where is the climax of this book? Are there different climaxes? What questions does each climax resolve? What questions does each climax leave unanswered?

(see the answer keys)

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