Poem Selections Review

In "An Ancient Gesture," what part of Penelope's life does the poet describe? 

• her childhood

• the years she spent weaving Odysseus's shroud

• her reunion with Odysseus

• the last two years before her death

According to "An Ancient Gesture," what is the difference between the gesture 

made by Penelope and the gesture made by Ulysses (Odysseus)?

• Penelope really has an apron, but Ulysses does not.

• Penelope's gesture is authentic, but Ulysses' is deliberately planned.

• Penelope represents all women, while Ulysses represents all men.

• Penelope's gesture is ancient, and Ulysses' is modern.

Compare the presentation of Penelope in Millay's poem with Homer's portrait of 

her in the Odyssey. Which of the following is an important difference between the two?

• In "An Ancient Gesture," Penelope is not faithful to Odysseus.

• In Millay's poem, the speaker alludes to Penelope, but Penelope does not 

  actually appear.

• The tone in Millay's poem is more upbeat than Homer's tone in the Odyssey

• In "An Ancient Gesture," Odysseus ignores Penelope's wishes.

Who is the speaker in "Siren Song"?

• Odysseus

• Homer

• one of the Sirens

• one of the men whom the Sirens threaten to destroy

How does the speaker in Atwood's “Siren Song" contrast with Homer's Sirens in 

the Odyssey?

• She is more destructive.

• She sings more sweetly.

• She wants to be friends with Odysseus.

• She claims to be in a bird costume.

In "Siren Song," what message do the Sirens sing to persuade sailors to leap 

overboard?

• a cry for help

• a promise of rich rewards

• a hymn to the power of the sea

• a prayer to the gods

The following lines are from Walcott's "Prologue" to the Odyssey. In which line 

does Billy Blue, the narrator, allude to Odysseus' many dangerous adventures?

• "Gone sing 'bout that man because his stories please us"

• "Who saw trials and tempests for ten years after Troy"

• "I'm Blind Billy Blue, my main man's sea-smart Odysseus"

• "Slow-striding Achilles, who put the hex on Hector"

In Walcott's "Epilogue," how does Billy Blue comment on the story of Odysseus?

• He says that Homer should have paid more attention to Penelope.

• He says that the story of Odysseus has changed over the centuries.

• He says that people continue to tell Odysseus' story long after Homer first 

  told it.

• He says that the story of Odysseus will eventually fade away.

What is an important difference between Walcott's poem and Homer's Odyssey?

• Walcott's portrait of Odysseus is less than heroic.

• Walcott ignores Penelope's role in the story.

• Walcott's language is less solemn and dignified than Homer's.

• Walcott's poem is intended for an audience of children.

In "Ithaca," why does the speaker tell the reader to pray that the road to Ithaca 

will be long?

• The journey to Ithaca symbolizes the journey of life.

•  The speaker knows that the reader admires Odysseus.

• The speaker hopes that the reader will want to lead a heroic life.

• The speaker feels that everyone needs to be challenged.