Odyssey, Part 2

Question

What is the effect of the epic simile in lines 118–131 of the Odyssey, Part 2?
"Now, being a man, I could not help consenting. So I went down to the sea beach and the ship, where I found all my other men on board, 120 weeping, in despair along the benches. Sometimes in farmyards when the cows return well-fed from pasture to the barn, one sees
the pens give way before the calves in tumult, breaking through to cluster about their mothers, 125 bumping together, bawling. Just that way
my crew poured round me when they saw me come— their faces wet with tears as if they saw
their homeland, and the crags of Ithaca,
even the very town where they were born."
(1 point)
to compare Odysseus's men to beasts
to criticize Odysseus's men's lack of loyalty
to reveal Odysseus's hurry to go back and free his men to show how Odysseus's men depended on him

Answer 1

The effect of the epic simile in lines 118-131 is to show how Odysseus's men depend on him. The simile compares the crew's reaction to Odysseus's arrival to the chaotic excitement of calves rushing to their mothers in a farmyard. This comparison emphasizes the emotional and physical dependency of the crew on Odysseus, highlighting their deep longing for their homeland and their desperate need for his guidance and leadership.

Answer 2

To protect them from the Sirens’ song, Circe advises Odysseus to _________.
(1 point)
plug his men's ears and have them tie him to the mast journey to Ithaca by way of the Underworld
go back to Aeolus and avoid the Sirens altogether cover himself with magic ointment

Answer 3

To protect them from the Sirens' song, Circe advises Odysseus to plug his men's ears and have them tie him to the mast.

Answer 4

Odyssey, Part 3
Penelope proposes the archery contest as a way to ________.
(1 point)
discover the true identity of the beggar
put off the suitors who want to marry her provide amusement for her son, Telemachus keep the unruly suitors occupied

Answer 5

Penelope proposes the archery contest as a way to discover the true identity of the beggar.

Answer 6

In what way can Penelope be considered a "classic wife"?
(1 point)
She is devoted and faithful.
She is cunning and secretive. She is refined and aristocratic. She is courageous and reckless.

Answer 7

Penelope can be considered a "classic wife" because she is devoted and faithful.

Answer 8

Which of the following best describes the language used in the extended simile comparing Odysseus to a musician as he strings the bow (lines 142–151)?
"But the man skilled in all ways of contending, satisfied by the great bow’s look and heft,
like a musician, like a harper, when
with quiet hand upon his instrument
he draws between his thumb and forefinger
a sweet new string upon a peg: so effortlessly Odysseus in one motion strung the bow.
Then slid his right hand down the cord and plucked it, so the taut gut vibrating hummed and sang
a swallow’s note."
(1 point)
harsh and strident rhythmic and fast
flowing and harmonious resounding and celebratory

Answer 9

The language used in the extended simile comparing Odysseus to a musician as he strings the bow (lines 142–151) can be described as flowing and harmonious.

Answer 10

Orpheus and Eurydice
Which of these sentences from Orpheus and Eurydice is an example of personification?
(1 point)
Orpheus invited Hymen, the god of marriage, to bless the wedding
with his presence.
Soon he saw the River Styx, which separates the Underworld from the world of the living.
He was the king of Thrace, the most musical of all the Greek people. Trees gathered around to hear his beautiful notes.

Answer 11

The sentence "Trees gathered around to hear his beautiful notes" is an example of personification.