Odyssey Test questions with Verified
And Explained answers
(Book 1) This invocation (lines 1-15) introduces us to Odysseus "that man skilled
in all ways of contending." What traits is he shown to have? - ✔✔Toughness,
Aggressiveness, Bravery, Talent
(Book 5) Identify the epic simile in lines 9-12(refers to a gull). What does this
comparison tell you about Hermes? - ✔✔He is quick and can deliver
messages quickly and effectively.
(Book 5) Reread lines 43-54. Which of Odysseus' qualities is emphasized here? -
✔✔Loyalty and determination
(Book 5) Reread Odysseus' answer to Calypso in lines 81-86. Why do you think he is
referred to in line 80 as "the strategist Odysseus"? - ✔✔He is able to talk his way out
of situations. When Calypso questions his choices, he tells her that she is more beautiful
than his wife, but he needs someone like him to live life with.
(Book 5) Why does Odysseus want to leave Calypso's island? - ✔✔To get home to
his wife and son
(Book 9) What does Odysseus value most highly? - ✔✔His family and home
What does the descriptive phrase about dawn tell you about the dawn? - ✔✔it tells
us that it was the start of morning and the sky was pink
, What point was Odysseus making by claiming association with Agamemnon? -
✔✔He is laying claim to the Greeks' great victory at Troy. He is showing his
masculinity.
Why does Odysseus lie to the Cyclops about his ship? - ✔✔Odysseus knows
with certainty that the Cyclops has no problem mistreating his guests, and he
wants to protect his ship.
What epithet is repeated in lines 211-212? - ✔✔Young dawn with fingertips of rose
What might Odysseus be planning when he calls himself 'Nohbdy'? - ✔✔He is
concealing his idenity, which shows that he is thinking ahead. This shows that he is
a strategist, intelligent, and whitty
In the epic similes from lines 292-297 and 299-303, what 2 things are being compared?
What are effects of this figurative language? - ✔✔The first simile is comparing
Odysseus turning the rod in Polyphemus' eye to a ship carpenter turning a drill in the
ship's deck. The second compares the steam coming out of Polyphemus' eye to the
steam given off by a hot axehead that is dipped in cold water.
What do you learn about Polyphemus from the allusion in lines 321-322? -
✔✔The reader learns that Polyphemus is the son of Poseidon.
Notice Odysseus' great mental struggle. Why did he create his plan? -
✔✔Odysseus has to outwit Polyphemus again. He is stuck in a place where it
is live or die.
What character traits has Odysseus demonstrated in his dealings with Polyphemus? -
✔✔leadership, bravery, and cunning
And Explained answers
(Book 1) This invocation (lines 1-15) introduces us to Odysseus "that man skilled
in all ways of contending." What traits is he shown to have? - ✔✔Toughness,
Aggressiveness, Bravery, Talent
(Book 5) Identify the epic simile in lines 9-12(refers to a gull). What does this
comparison tell you about Hermes? - ✔✔He is quick and can deliver
messages quickly and effectively.
(Book 5) Reread lines 43-54. Which of Odysseus' qualities is emphasized here? -
✔✔Loyalty and determination
(Book 5) Reread Odysseus' answer to Calypso in lines 81-86. Why do you think he is
referred to in line 80 as "the strategist Odysseus"? - ✔✔He is able to talk his way out
of situations. When Calypso questions his choices, he tells her that she is more beautiful
than his wife, but he needs someone like him to live life with.
(Book 5) Why does Odysseus want to leave Calypso's island? - ✔✔To get home to
his wife and son
(Book 9) What does Odysseus value most highly? - ✔✔His family and home
What does the descriptive phrase about dawn tell you about the dawn? - ✔✔it tells
us that it was the start of morning and the sky was pink
, What point was Odysseus making by claiming association with Agamemnon? -
✔✔He is laying claim to the Greeks' great victory at Troy. He is showing his
masculinity.
Why does Odysseus lie to the Cyclops about his ship? - ✔✔Odysseus knows
with certainty that the Cyclops has no problem mistreating his guests, and he
wants to protect his ship.
What epithet is repeated in lines 211-212? - ✔✔Young dawn with fingertips of rose
What might Odysseus be planning when he calls himself 'Nohbdy'? - ✔✔He is
concealing his idenity, which shows that he is thinking ahead. This shows that he is
a strategist, intelligent, and whitty
In the epic similes from lines 292-297 and 299-303, what 2 things are being compared?
What are effects of this figurative language? - ✔✔The first simile is comparing
Odysseus turning the rod in Polyphemus' eye to a ship carpenter turning a drill in the
ship's deck. The second compares the steam coming out of Polyphemus' eye to the
steam given off by a hot axehead that is dipped in cold water.
What do you learn about Polyphemus from the allusion in lines 321-322? -
✔✔The reader learns that Polyphemus is the son of Poseidon.
Notice Odysseus' great mental struggle. Why did he create his plan? -
✔✔Odysseus has to outwit Polyphemus again. He is stuck in a place where it
is live or die.
What character traits has Odysseus demonstrated in his dealings with Polyphemus? -
✔✔leadership, bravery, and cunning
