Review - The Odyssey, Part 1B

What is the purpose of Odysseus visiting the Land of the Dead?

• To seek forgiveness from Hades.

• To gather his crew from the underworld.

• To receive advice from the prophet Teiresias.

• To escape Poseidon’s wrath.

What does Odysseus’ encounter with his mother reveal about his emotional state?

• He feels indifferent toward his family.

• He is deeply affected by the passage of time and the toll his journey has taken.

• He is relieved that his mother has passed on.

• He is angered by her death.

Which of the following quotes best supports the inference that Odysseus is emotionally torn by his mother’s death?

• "I reassured the ghost of Teiresias with a vow and prayer."

• "Three times I tried, and put my arms around her, but she went sifting through my hands, impalpable as shadows are, and wavering like a dream."

• "I hid my grief and kept it from my men."

• "I wept to see her there."

How does the episode in the Land of the Dead contribute to the larger narrative of The Odyssey?

• It introduces a new adventure for Odysseus to face.

• It offers foreshadowing about the challenges that lie ahead for Odysseus.

• It provides comic relief from the heavier moments of the epic.

• It resolves the conflict between Odysseus and Poseidon.

What does Odysseus’ decision to face the Sirens reveal about his character?

• He is reckless and impulsive.

• He is easily tempted by pleasure.

• He is curious and confident in his ability to survive.

• He has no regard for his men’s safety.

What does Odysseus' decision to withhold information from his men about Scylla and Charybdis reveal about him as a leader?

• He is cruel and wants his men to suffer.

• He believes that his men would have a better chance of surviving if they know all the dangers.

• He chooses to spare his men the fear and despair of knowing about the inevitable loss of life.

• He wants to face the monsters alone and prove his bravery.

What is the best summary of the encounter with Charybdis?

• Odysseus’ men row past Charybdis, but they are swallowed by the whirlpool.

• Odysseus' ship is caught in Charybdis' whirlpool, but they escape unharmed.

• Odysseus leads his men safely past Charybdis, although they witness the whirlpool's destruction.

• The ship avoids Charybdis completely, and the men never encounter the danger.

Which of the following quotes from best supports the idea that Odysseus chose to face Scylla to protect most of his crew?

• “Better to mourn six men than lose them all, and the ship, too.”

• “I told them nothing, as they could do nothing to avoid it.”

• “Then Scylla made her strike, whisking six of my best men from the ship.”

• “The whirlpool threatened to engulf us all, but we rowed on, hoping for survival.”

What motivates Odysseus’ men to disobey his command and slaughter the cattle?

• They are driven by hunger and despair after days without food.

• They are encouraged by Zeus, who suggests the cattle as an offering.

• They believe they will be forgiven because the gods will protect them.

• They no longer trust Odysseus' leadership and want to rebel against him.

What does Odysseus’ reaction to his men eating the cattle reveal about his character?

• He is frustrated and angry but ultimately powerless to stop them.

• He is sympathetic, realizing they had no other choice for survival.

• He is indifferent, as he also doubts the wrath of Helios.

• He feels no responsibility for their actions, as they disobeyed his orders.