The Odyssey Test: Study Guide
Test Format:

Fill in the blank (10 questions, 20 points)
The answers to fill in the blank questions will be terms and character names from the
following list. There will be no word bank on the test.

Odysseus
Penelope
Telemakhos
Athena
Zeus
Poseidon
Kalypso
Kirke
Skylla
Kharybdis
Aiolos
Sirens
Lotus Eaters
Hermes
Alkinoos
Menelaus
-
Agamemnon
Helen
Klytaimnestra
Antinoos
Eurykleia
Mentor
Eumaius
Nestor
Teiresias
Arete
Eurymakhos
Helios
xenia
hubris
epic simile
epithet
Short answer (5 questions, 45 points)
Answer these questions briefly (2-4 sentences) and in complete sentences. You will
want to carefully review the following topics:
-
definition of an epic and epic hero
characteristics of an epic
stages of a hero’s journey and how this relates to The Odyssey
the function of an epic simile (practice explaining a couple, identifying
what is being compared and how it adds to the epic)
characteristics of Greek gods and religion
the details of Odysseus’ journey
the details of Telemakhos’ journey
Penelope’s role
the role of hubris
the role of xenia

Essay (1 question—35 points)
You should come into the test knowing exactly how you will answer each question.
In order to do this successfully:
-
develop a thesis statement to answer each of these questions (this will
come at the very beginning of your essay)
-
plan to address many of the topics suggested in the question, but
remember that your thesis statement should focus on the phrase or
sentence in bold.
-
Remember that a thesis statement is an ARGUMENT, not a plot summary,
and will need to be supported by specific details from the text.
-
outline answers to each question with specific examples
Preparing answers to each of these questions will help you study for the whole test, even
if the question itself does not appear on your test.
Possible essay topics:
What is the role of women in The Odyssey? Consider: How are they portrayed, and
why? Are all women the same, or are they contrasted? Which women are we supposed to
like, and how can you tell? Try to think beyond the most obvious examples.
Odysseus, heralded by generations as the ultimate hero, is a complicated character with
many strengths and weaknesses. Consider some conflicting views of Odysseus and
determine whether or not he finally deserves to be considered a hero. (Note: you will
need to tell us how you are defining hero.) When are you impressed by him? When are
you disappointed in him?
What is the role of religion and fate in The Odyssey? How does it affect people’s
behavior? How does it affect the outcome of the epic? How do people feel about and treat
the gods in the Greek epic? How do the gods feel about the people?
How does justice work in The Odyssey? Revenge was more acceptable in Homer’s
society than in our modern society, but it still needs qualification. Discuss the nature of
revenge in The Odyssey: under what conditions is it an acceptable means of justice?
Consider where we see incidents of violence and revenge in the epic and compare the
outcomes of these situations.