Pre/Post Test Historical Context of The Odyssey

Read the excerpt from The Odyssey.

He saw the townlands

and learned the minds of many distant men,

and weathered many bitter nights and days

in his deep heart at sea, while he fought only

to save his life, to bring his shipmates home.

But not by will nor valor could he save them,

for their own recklessness destroyed them all—

children and fools, they killed and feasted on

the cattle of Lord Helios, the Sun,

and he who moves all day through heaven

took from their eyes the dawn of their return.

Of these adventures, Muse, daughter of Zeus,

tell us in our time, lift the great song again.

What can be learned about the ancient Greeks from this excerpt? Choose two answers.

• They established the first democratic government.

• They contributed to art, science, and philosophy.

• They valued perseverance, bravery, and strength.

• They believed the gods were active in people’s lives.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Read the excerpt from The Odyssey.

My men stood up and made a fight of it—

backed on the ships, with lances kept in play,

from bright morning through the blaze of noon

so holding our beach, although so far outnumbered;

but when the sun passed toward unyoking time,

then the Achaeans, one by one, gave way.

Which values of the ancient Greeks are most emphasized in this excerpt?

• bravery and perseverance

• exercise and physical fitness

• hospitality and friendliness

• freedom and democracy

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

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CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which event from The Odyssey best highlights the idea that the ancient Greeks greatly disliked greediness?

• Calypso captures and entertains Odysseus to reward him for resisting her many temptations.

• The Lotus-Eaters offer Lotus to Odysseus and his men to reward them for their bravery in the Trojan War.

• Zeus sends dangerous storms to punish Odysseus and his men for their actions on the island of Cicones.

• The Achaeans lose the battle to Odysseus and his men as punishment for not showing hospitality to their guests.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Based on this passage of The Odyssey, one can conclude that the ancient Greeks greatly valued

• bravery

• democracy

• knowledge

• relaxation

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9