The Odyssey Quiz Books 1-6
World Literature Honors summer quiz: The Odyssey, Books 1-6
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Who does Athena disguise herself as before she goes to meet Telemachus?
- A.
Mentes
- B.
Zeus
- C.
Penelope
Correct Answer
A. MentesExplanation
Athena disguises herself as Mentes before she goes to meet Telemachus.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the problem at Odysseues's home?
- A.
His son is lazy and everything is falling apart.
- B.
There are men trying to marry his wife.
- C.
His servants have all run away.
Correct Answer
B. There are men trying to marry his wife.Explanation
The problem at Odysseus's home is that there are men trying to marry his wife. This is evident from the information provided in the question. It suggests that there are individuals who are attempting to pursue Odysseus's wife, indicating a potential threat to the stability and fidelity of their marriage.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Odysseus is loved by all of the gods except for whom?
- A.
Zues
- B.
Mentor
- C.
Poseidon
Correct Answer
C. PoseidonExplanation
In Greek mythology, Odysseus is a hero who embarks on a long journey back home after the Trojan War. Poseidon, the god of the sea, holds a grudge against Odysseus because he blinded Poseidon's son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. Due to this act, Poseidon becomes Odysseus' enemy and seeks to make his journey home difficult. Therefore, the correct answer is Poseidon.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What does Telemachus tell the men to do?
- A.
Leave Ithica at once.
- B.
Repair the golden calf.
- C.
Make an offering to the gods.
Correct Answer
A. Leave Ithica at once.Explanation
Telemachus tells the men to leave Ithaca at once. This suggests that there is some urgency or danger that requires them to depart immediately. The reason for this instruction is not provided in the question, but it implies that there is a pressing need for them to leave the island without delay.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How are the ship procured, rations gotten, and crew assembled?
- A.
The citizens give them.
- B.
Mentor gets them.
- C.
Athena gets them.
Correct Answer
C. Athena gets them.Explanation
The correct answer is "Athena gets them." In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. As the question is asking about how the ship is procured, rations are obtained, and the crew is assembled, it suggests that Athena, being the goddess of crafts and wisdom, is responsible for providing these resources and assembling the crew. The citizens and Mentor are not mentioned in relation to these tasks, making Athena the most suitable choice.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is Telemachus's first destination?
- A.
Sparta
- B.
Troy
- C.
Pylos
Correct Answer
C. PylosExplanation
Telemachus's first destination is Pylos.Rate this question:
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- 7.
According to Nestor, why had Odysseus and Melelaus separated on the way home from Troy?
- A.
Odysseus stayed with Nestor.
- B.
Odysseus stayed with Agamemnon.
- C.
Odysseus stayed with Athena.
Correct Answer
B. Odysseus stayed with Agamemnon.Explanation
According to Nestor, Odysseus and Melelaus separated on the way home from Troy because Odysseus stayed with Agamemnon.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Aegisthus had killed whom?
- A.
Agamemnon
- B.
Zeus
- C.
Nestor
Correct Answer
A. AgamemnonExplanation
Aegisthus had killed Agamemnon.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who avenges him?
- A.
Hector
- B.
Telemachus
- C.
Orestes
Correct Answer
C. OrestesExplanation
Orestes avenges him.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Where does Telemachus find Menelaus?
- A.
At a double wedding
- B.
On the battlefield
- C.
In the barn
Correct Answer
A. At a double weddingExplanation
Telemachus finds Menelaus at a double wedding. This means that Menelaus is attending a wedding where two couples are getting married simultaneously. It is likely that Telemachus was searching for Menelaus and eventually located him at this event. The double wedding setting adds a festive and joyful atmosphere to the encounter between Telemachus and Menelaus.Rate this question:
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- 11.
For whom does Menelaus grieve most?
- A.
His brother
- B.
His son
- C.
His wife
Correct Answer
A. His brotherExplanation
Menelaus grieves most for his brother. This is because in Greek mythology, Menelaus' brother, Agamemnon, was killed by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. The murder of his brother would have caused Menelaus great sorrow and grief.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Why does Helen drug the wine?
- A.
So she can sneak away.
- B.
To liven up the party.
- C.
So they forget their sorrows.
Correct Answer
C. So they forget their sorrows.Explanation
Helen drugs the wine so that the people drinking it can forget their sorrows. This implies that the individuals at the party may be experiencing some form of emotional distress or sadness, and Helen intends to help them temporarily escape from their troubles by creating a state of intoxication.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Who tells Calypso that she must release Odysseus?
- A.
Mentor
- B.
Hermes
- C.
Zeus
Correct Answer
B. HermesExplanation
Hermes tells Calypso that she must release Odysseus. In Greek mythology, Hermes is the messenger of the gods and is often sent on missions to deliver important messages or instructions. In this case, Zeus, the king of the gods, likely sends Hermes to Calypso to inform her that she must release Odysseus. Hermes acts as the intermediary between the gods and mortals, relaying their commands and ensuring they are carried out. Therefore, it is Hermes who delivers the message to Calypso, instructing her to release Odysseus from her island.Rate this question:
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- 14.
How does he take to the wine dark sea?
- A.
On a raft
- B.
On a ship
- C.
On a tugboat
Correct Answer
A. On a raftExplanation
The phrase "wine dark sea" is a metaphorical description used in ancient Greek literature to describe the color of the sea. It implies that the sea is dark and mysterious, similar to the color of wine. The use of the word "raft" suggests a more primitive and simple means of transportation, which aligns with the idea of being on a journey through the unknown. Therefore, the correct answer is "On a raft."Rate this question:
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- 15.
How does Odysseus get on the island?
- A.
Zues helps
- B.
Hermes helps
- C.
Athena helps
Correct Answer
C. Athena helpsExplanation
Athena helps Odysseus get on the island.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who used to be the Phaeacians neighbors?
- A.
Calypso
- B.
Odysseus
- C.
Cyclops
Correct Answer
C. CyclopsExplanation
The correct answer is Cyclops. In Greek mythology, the Cyclops were a race of one-eyed giants who lived on an island near the Phaeacians. They were known for their strength and ferocity, and were often depicted as being hostile towards humans. In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus encounters the Cyclops Polyphemus during his journey, which further emphasizes the connection between the Phaeacians and the Cyclops.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What does Nausicaa give Odysseus advice concerning?
- A.
How to meet the king.
- B.
How to meet the queen.
- C.
How to walk through town.
Correct Answer
B. How to meet the queen.Explanation
Nausicaa gives Odysseus advice on how to meet the queen. This suggests that Nausicaa is knowledgeable about the customs and protocols of her kingdom, and she wants to ensure that Odysseus has the best chance of meeting the queen successfully. This advice could include guidance on proper etiquette, appropriate attire, and the right words to say when approaching the queen.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In a dream, what does Athene suggest that Nausikaa, princess of the Phaeaceans do?
- A.
Encourage her father and the suitors to leave.
- B.
Marry Telemachus.
- C.
Wash the palace clothing.
Correct Answer
C. Wash the palace clothing.Explanation
In the dream, Athene suggests that Nausikaa should wash the palace clothing. This implies that Nausikaa should take responsibility for her household duties and contribute to the upkeep of the palace. It also suggests that Athene wants Nausikaa to demonstrate her domestic skills and commitment to her role as a princess. By washing the palace clothing, Nausikaa can show her dedication to her family and her willingness to fulfill her duties as a royal.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Why is this encounter so shocking to Nausicaa and her handmaidens?
- A.
Everyone's naked and it's super awkward.
- B.
Odysseus is naked and it's super awkward.
- C.
The girls are naked and it's super awkward.
Correct Answer
A. Everyone's naked and it's super awkward.Explanation
The encounter is shocking to Nausicaa and her handmaidens because everyone is naked, which creates a highly uncomfortable and awkward situation.Rate this question:
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- 20.
On hearing Nausicaa and her handmaidens, Odysseus decides to...
- A.
Embrace Nausicaa's knees - as was customary for royalty.
- B.
Remain hidden and plead his case unseen.
- C.
Pray to Athena to intervene on his behalf.
Correct Answer
B. Remain hidden and plead his case unseen.Explanation
Odysseus decides to remain hidden and plead his case unseen because he wants to assess the situation and ensure a positive outcome. By remaining hidden, he can observe Nausicaa's reaction and determine the best approach to win her favor and assistance. This strategy allows him to present himself in the most favorable light and increase his chances of receiving help from Nausicaa and her handmaidens.Rate this question:
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