Reading Quiz #1: books 1 - 10

1. Why hasn't Penelope married again after her husband has been gone for so long? What does she do to keep the suitors at bay?

2. How does Telemachus change after Athena speaks to him?'

3. How do the Phaecians treat Odysseus? Why do they treat him that way? Do they know who he is?

4. What is the false name that Odysseus gives to Polyphemus the Cyclops and why is it ironic?

5. How does Odysseus escape from Polyphemus?

6. What arete (excellence) does Odysseus show in this section of the poem?

7. What weaknesses does Odysseus show? What is his hubris (what is too excessive in his personality)?

8. How is Odysseus able to survive Circe's potion? How long do they stay with her? Why?