The Odyssey - Introduction And Books 1 & 2
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Describe this picture from The Odyssey that depicts a woman with a spool.
- 2.
Describe this image from The Iliad that involves an arrow.
- 3.
Explain this picture.
- 4.
This is not characteristic of an Epic poem:
- A.
In medias res
- B.
Death of the hero
- C.
Invocation to the muse
- D.
Divine intervention
- E.
Listing of arms and lineage
- F.
Formal speeches
Correct Answer
B. Death of the heroExplanation
The death of the hero is not characteristic of an Epic poem because in most Epic poems, the hero's journey and accomplishments are the central focus of the narrative. The hero is usually portrayed as a larger-than-life figure who overcomes challenges and obstacles to achieve greatness. Their death would mark the end of their story and would not align with the typical structure and themes of an Epic poem.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Not a character in The Iliad which precedes The Odyssey:
- A.
Hector
- B.
Achilles
- C.
Telemachus
- D.
Agamemnon
- E.
Priam
Correct Answer
C. TelemachusExplanation
Telemachus is not a character in The Iliad, which is an epic poem written by Homer. The Iliad primarily focuses on the Trojan War and the events surrounding it, while The Odyssey is a sequel to The Iliad and follows the protagonist Odysseus on his journey back home after the war. Telemachus, on the other hand, is the son of Odysseus and plays a significant role in The Odyssey, but he does not appear in The Iliad.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Which divinity appears to Odysseus' son in the first book?
- A.
Aphrodite
- B.
Athena
- C.
Poseidon
- D.
Zeus
Correct Answer
B. AthenaExplanation
In the first book of the Odyssey, Athena appears to Odysseus' son, Telemachus. She disguises herself as Mentes, a family friend, and advises Telemachus to seek information about his father's whereabouts and take action against the suitors who have taken over his home. Athena's appearance and guidance to Telemachus play a crucial role in setting the events of the epic in motion.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
There are approximately this many lines of dactyllic hexameter per book in the first two books of The Odyssey:
- A.
200
- B.
500
- C.
1000
- D.
1500
Correct Answer
B. 500Explanation
The correct answer is 500. This means that there are approximately 500 lines of dactyllic hexameter per book in the first two books of The Odyssey. Dactyllic hexameter is a specific poetic meter used in ancient Greek and Latin literature, characterized by six feet per line and a specific pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. This answer suggests that the first two books of The Odyssey contain a significant amount of this type of poetic verse.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Odysseus was king of this island country:
- A.
Ithaca
- B.
Athens
- C.
Turkey
- D.
Sparta
- E.
Crete
Correct Answer
A. IthacaExplanation
Odysseus being the king of Ithaca is a well-known fact from Greek mythology. In Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey," Odysseus is depicted as the ruler of Ithaca, a small island country in the Ionian Sea. Throughout the poem, the story revolves around Odysseus's long journey back to his homeland, Ithaca, after the Trojan War. His role as the king of Ithaca is central to the plot, as he faces numerous challenges and obstacles on his way home. Therefore, it is evident that Ithaca is the correct answer for the given question.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
To start the war, Paris abducted this wife of Menelaus
- A.
Penelope
- B.
Calypso
- C.
Circe
- D.
Helen
- E.
Clytemnestra
Correct Answer
D. HelenExplanation
Paris abducted Helen, the wife of Menelaus, which ultimately led to the Trojan War. This event is a well-known mythological story from Greek mythology. Paris, a Trojan prince, took Helen from Sparta, causing Menelaus to seek revenge and gather a coalition of Greek forces to attack Troy. This abduction is considered the catalyst for the war between the Greeks and Trojans, making Helen the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Odysseus thought of this idea to defeat the Trojans:
- A.
Underground tunnel
- B.
Trojan horse
- C.
Naptha (greek fire)
- D.
Disguised self as woman to bribe guards
Correct Answer
B. Trojan horseExplanation
The correct answer is Trojan horse. Odysseus came up with the idea of building a giant wooden horse as a gift for the Trojans. However, the horse was hollow inside, and Greek soldiers were hiding inside it. The Trojans, thinking it was a peace offering, brought the horse into their city. At night, the Greek soldiers emerged from the horse and opened the city gates, allowing the Greek army to enter Troy and ultimately defeat the Trojans.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Not killed in The Iliad:
- A.
Hector
- B.
Ajax
- C.
Aeneas
- D.
Patroclus
Correct Answer
C. AeneasExplanation
Aeneas is the correct answer because he is the only character listed who does not die in The Iliad. Hector, Ajax, and Patroclus all meet their deaths during the events of the epic poem. Aeneas, on the other hand, survives the war and goes on to become a prominent figure in Roman mythology, eventually founding the city of Rome.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
The bard (author) of this collection of oral stories was:
- A.
Dante
- B.
Shakespeare
- C.
Homer
- D.
Hecuba
Correct Answer
C. HomerExplanation
The correct answer is Homer. Homer is known as the bard or author of this collection of oral stories. He is famous for his epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which are considered to be among the greatest works of ancient Greek literature. Homer's stories have had a significant influence on Western literature and continue to be studied and celebrated today. Shakespeare and Dante are also renowned authors, but they are not associated with this particular collection of oral stories. Hecuba, on the other hand, is a character from Greek mythology and not an author.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
King of all the Greeks, killed by Aegisthus and the adulterous wife, Clytemnestra:
- A.
Menelaus
- B.
Dolon
- C.
Priam
- D.
Agamemnon
Correct Answer
D. AgamemnonExplanation
Agamemnon is the correct answer because he was the king of all the Greeks and was killed by Aegisthus and his adulterous wife, Clytemnestra. Agamemnon's story is famously depicted in Greek mythology and the play "Agamemnon" by Aeschylus. He was the leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War and upon his return home, he was betrayed and murdered by Aegisthus and Clytemnestra as revenge for sacrificing their daughter Iphigenia. This event led to a series of tragic events known as the House of Atreus curse.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
Not a resident of Ithaca:
- A.
Telemachus
- B.
Penelope
- C.
Laertes
- D.
Mentes
Correct Answer
D. MentesExplanation
Mentes is the correct answer because he is not a resident of Ithaca. Telemachus, Penelope, and Laertes are all residents of Ithaca as they are mentioned in the question along with Mentes. However, Mentes is not a resident of Ithaca, making him the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
Was not in the contest of the "golden apple" judged by Paris:
- A.
Aphrodite
- B.
Leda
- C.
Athena
- D.
Hera
Correct Answer
B. LedaExplanation
Leda was not in the contest of the "golden apple" judged by Paris because the contest involved Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera. Leda was not one of the goddesses who participated in the competition.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Not a theme in The Odyssey
- A.
Homecoming
- B.
Forgiveness
- C.
Revenge
- D.
Hospitality
Correct Answer
B. ForgivenessExplanation
The Odyssey is an epic poem by Homer that tells the story of Odysseus' journey home after the Trojan War. Throughout the poem, various themes are explored, including homecoming, revenge, and hospitality. However, forgiveness is not a prominent theme in The Odyssey. While there are instances of forgiveness in the story, it is not a central focus or driving force behind the plot. Instead, the poem primarily focuses on Odysseus' struggles, adventures, and his ultimate return home.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Approximate age of Telemachus:
- A.
15
- B.
19
- C.
21
- D.
27
Correct Answer
C. 21Explanation
Telemachus is approximately 21 years old because it is the only option that falls within the given range. The other options, 15, 19, and 27, are outside of the range and therefore not possible.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
Character not referenced by name in the first four books:
- A.
Laertes
- B.
Polyphemus
- C.
Nestor
- D.
Eurymachus
Correct Answer
B. PolyphemusExplanation
Polyphemus is the correct answer because he is the only character in the given list who is not referenced by name in the first four books. In the first four books of Homer's Odyssey, Laertes, Nestor, and Eurymachus are all mentioned by name. However, Polyphemus, the Cyclops, is only introduced in Book 9. This is significant because it highlights the chronological order of the events in the story and the gradual introduction of important characters.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
Troy is part of what present day country:
- A.
Africa
- B.
Greece
- C.
Albania
- D.
Turkey
Correct Answer
D. TurkeyExplanation
Troy, the ancient city, is located in present-day Turkey. It is known for its historical significance and its mention in Greek mythology, particularly in the epic poem "The Iliad" by Homer. The city of Troy was situated in the northwest region of Anatolia, which is modern-day Turkey. It was a crucial center of trade and culture during ancient times. Hence, Turkey is the correct answer for the given question.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Aegisthus slew this king (and father) before Agamemnon.
- A.
Menelaus
- B.
Hector
- C.
Atreus
- D.
Peleus
Correct Answer
A. MenelausExplanation
Aegisthus killed Menelaus' father before Agamemnon.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
'Rosy fingered dawn" is an example of:
- A.
In medias res
- B.
Epic Simile
- C.
Epithet
- D.
Invocation
Correct Answer
A. In medias resExplanation
"Rosy fingered dawn" is an example of an epithet. An epithet is a descriptive term or phrase used to characterize a person, thing, or place. In this case, "rosy fingered" is used to describe the dawn, emphasizing its beauty and delicate nature. The phrase is often used in literature, particularly in epic poems like Homer's Odyssey, to create vivid imagery and enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the scene.Rate this question:
-
Back to top