Download Questions/Test Review for books 1-8

The Odyssey
*These MUST be answered on another sheet of paper.
Book I
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5.
How does Athena feel about Odysseus? Cite evidence to support your answer.
Why has Odysseus not returned home?
Locate three epithets and the god/goddess it goes with.(any of the following)
Summarize Book I in no more than three sentences.
Why did the Trojan War begin?
Book II
1. The word “brazenly” in stanza one is used to describe the way Antinous talks about Penelope’s
choice for delaying the choosing of a husband. How is this word connoted?
2. Who are the following:
Telemachus
Antinous
Eurycleia
3. Explain the meaning behind Zeus’s sign.
4. Predict why Telemachus would sneak off at night instead of telling his mother he was going.
Book III
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2.
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5.
What was the reason for Agamemnon and Menelaus’ argument?
What allusion can be found in Book III?
What does the line “we were at each other’s throats again” mean?
What literary term is “the great king”?
What happened to Agamemnon? Use specific details in the answer.(It will take more than a
couple of words!)
6. Why does Telemachus need to find Menelaus?
Book IV
1. What is it about Telemachus that Queen Helen knows him?
2. Based on your knowledge of the Trojan war, and the Greek gods, infer what “Aphrodite’s curse”
is.
3. What do we learn about Odysseus’ character from Helen?
4. Based on your knowledge of Greek mythology, why was Helen able to mimic the voices of the
soldier’s wives?
5. Based on the context clues in the stanza, what does the word respite mean?
6. Who is “the Ancient”?
7. What literary term is “stunk to high heaven?
8. What tone is set in Book IV? Locate words to support your answer.
9. What event is being foreshadowed in Book IV?
Book V
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2.
3.
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6.
7.
Discuss why Athena chose to address the gods again.
How does Hermes feel about going to Calypso’s island?
Why is Calypso upset?
What inference can we make about Hermes’ thoughts about his role?
Based on the word “wench”, what does Calypso think of Penelope?
How does Odysseus feel about being the immortal husband of Calypso?
How does this specific interaction with Poseidon advance the plot?
Book VI
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2.
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4.
What inference can be made about the upcoming events for Nausicaa?
Define modest. Explain how this describes Nausicaa’s personality.
Describe Odysseus’ appearance based on the words “bine-encrusted stranger”.
Why might Nausicaa insist on Odysseus enter the city alone.
Book VII
1. Describe the palace’s interior.
2. Explain, giving examples from many books, how Athena has helped Odysseus in his journey
home.
3. In declaring it was his idea to enter the city separate from Nausicaa, how does this reveal
Odysseus’ character?
Book VIII
1. Why would the mention of Achilles bring tears to Odysseus?
2. What is being implied by the comment “No doubt he has been to see, but only as a purser.”?
3. How does the comment about Odysseus being at sea by the Phaeacians shine light on to
Odysseus’ character?
4. How does the ability to throw the discus allow the reader to understand Odyessus’ external
characteristics?
5. Why does Odysseus say he’ll give thanks to Nausicaa as if she were a goddess?
6. Why does all the themes of music at the feast refer to the Trojan War?
Book IX
1. Why would people want to hear of Odysseus’ travels?
2. What did Odysseus want to do after winning at Cicones? What was the result of him not
following his instincts?
3. The men had eaten well, but did not leave the island of the Cyclopes. What can we infer about
them based on this fact? Cite textual evidence to support.
4. What were his men doing with the cheese?
5. What is the irony in Odysseus asking for hospitality?
6. Why did Odysseus taunt Polyphemus?
7. Polyphemus demands to know who Odysseus is. How does the answer backfire on him?
8. How does the crew escape Polyphemus?
9. Why must Odysseus taunt Polyphemus?
10. Interpret how telling Polyphemus his real name was a bad omen for Odysseus.