from The Odyssey, Part 1-Comprehension and Vocabulary

What does Odysseus's decision to reveal his real name to the Cyclops suggest about his internal conflict as a leader?

• He prioritizes the safety of his crew over his personal reputation.

• He seeks validation and glory even at the risk of others, reflecting hubris.

• He wishes to show mercy and establish peace with Polyphemus.

• He is motivated by guilt and wants to confess his identity.

Which passage best exemplifies the epic convention of invoking a muse, and what purpose does it serve in the narrative structure of the epic?

• “Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story...” – to signal divine inspiration and credibility of the tale

• “Nobody—that’s my name. Nobody—so my mother and father call me, all my friends.” – to show Odysseus’s cunning

• “Out of the cave the mammoth Polyphemus roared in answer...” – to establish suspense

• “We cried aloud, lifting our hands to Zeus...” – to convey the gods’ indifference

In the context of the Hero’s Journey archetype, Odysseus’s time on Calypso’s island represents which stage and why?

• The Call to Adventure – he is invited to leave his ordinary world

• The Supreme Ordeal – he confronts his greatest fear

• The Refusal of the Return – he is tempted to abandon his journey

• The Resurrection – he is transformed through suffering

How does the use of flashback in Book 9 deepen the reader’s understanding of Odysseus as both a narrator and a character?

• It allows the audience to pity him by highlighting his failures.

• It shifts focus to minor characters to emphasize communal storytelling.

• It reveals his tendency to reshape events, showing both pride and reflection.

• It creates confusion about the order of events, mirroring Odysseus’s disorientation.

Which sentence best reflects the meaning of “plundered” as used in Odysseus’s recounting of his travels?

• “We explored the coast and plundered the village for food and treasure.”

• “We plundered our thoughts, unsure of where to go next.”

• “They plundered ahead through the thick forest, eager to escape.”

• “He plundered the deck, searching for the source of the noise.”

Which motivation most accurately captures Odysseus’s desire to avenge his fallen men?

• He seeks revenge to honor personal pride.

• He acts out of loyalty and a cultural code of justice.

• He wants to satisfy the gods’ demands for bloodshed.

• He is pressured by Telemachus and Penelope.

Which use of “ventured” best conveys the courage and risk associated with Odysseus’s leadership?

• He ventured a guess and hoped it was correct.

• He ventured toward the Cyclops’s cave despite his men’s fears.

• He ventured into a conversation with the goddess.

• He ventured across the field on his way to harvest crops.

What does the term “fugitives” imply about Odysseus and his men in their escape from the Cyclops?

• They are unjust aggressors fleeing from consequences.

• They are noble heroes evading dishonor.

• They are men fleeing justice and punishment from their homeland.

• They are survivors escaping after being held unlawfully.

In the line “They dispatched a ship to rescue the survivors,” what nuance does “dispatched” convey in terms of urgency and authority?

• A casual decision

• A hesitant movement

• A rapid and purposeful action

• A delayed reaction

Which of the following statements best reflects how Odysseus's tactics define him as an epic hero?

• His tactics show he is lucky, surviving only through divine help.

• His tactics highlight his physical strength over his intellect.

• His tactical decisions often involve long-term consequences and reveal his cunning.

• His tactics always prioritize the gods over his men.