Homer (8th century BCE)

Question 1

Who is traditionally credited with writing the Iliad and the Odyssey?

Answer 1

Homer

Question 2

In which century is Homer believed to have lived?

Answer 2

8th century BCE

Question 3

What is Homer most famous for?

Answer 3

Composing the epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey

Question 4

Which war is the focus of Homer’s Iliad?

Answer 4

The Trojan War

Question 5

What is the central theme of the Odyssey?

Answer 5

Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War

Question 6

True or False: Homer is widely believed to have been blind.

Answer 6

True (though it’s part of a legend)

Question 7

What is one theory regarding the authorship of Homer’s works?

Answer 7

Some scholars believe Homer may represent a group of poets rather than a single individual.

Question 8

During which historical period did Homer live?

Answer 8

The Greek Dark Ages

Question 9

What is the term used for comparisons found in Homer’s works, such as ‘as brave as a lion’?

Answer 9

Homeric similes

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The Iliad contains over ____ lines of verse.

Answer 10

15,000

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The Odyssey contains over ____ lines of verse.

Answer 11

12,000

Question 12

How did Homer’s works initially spread before being written down?

Answer 12

Through oral tradition

Question 13

Which ancient civilization did Homer influence with his works?

Answer 13

The Greeks

Question 14

What moral themes are often explored in Homer’s works?

Answer 14

Heroism, honor, fate, and the human condition

Question 15

What ongoing debate exists about Homer’s identity?

Answer 15

The Homeric Question, which asks whether Homer was one person or a collection of poets.

Question 16

What type of journey does the Odyssey describe?

Answer 16

A hero’s journey and adventure

Question 17

What period did Homer’s works help transition into after the Greek Dark Ages?

Answer 17

The Greek cultural revival and the emergence of city-states

Question 18

True or False: Homer’s works were forgotten during the Roman Empire.

Answer 18

False (they were studied and admired)

Question 19

What are two of the primary literary legacies Homer left behind?

Answer 19

Epic storytelling and the hero’s journey

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Homer’s works were central to Greek and Roman ____.

Answer 20

Education

Question 21

What famous comedic trick does Odysseus use against the Cyclops Polyphemus in the Odyssey?

Answer 21

He tells the Cyclops that his name is ‘Nobody’ to confuse him.

Question 22

Which two poets or authors were influenced by Homer’s works?

Answer 22

Virgil and James Joyce

Question 23

What is the name given to long, detailed comparisons often found in Homer’s works?

Answer 23

Homeric similes

Question 24

What is one humorous element in Homer’s Odyssey?

Answer 24

Odysseus tricking the Cyclops by calling himself ‘Nobody.’

Question 25

True or False: Homer’s works have no influence on modern literature or media.

Answer 25

False (they have a profound influence)

Question 26

Which two philosophers frequently referenced Homer’s works?

Answer 26

Plato and Aristotle

Question 27

Why is Homer’s work considered foundational for Western literature?

Answer 27

It established conventions of epic storytelling and explored fundamental human themes.

Question 28

What is the scholarly term for the debate over whether Homer was a single person or a collection of poets?

Answer 28

The Homeric Question

Question 29

Fill in the blank: Homer’s influence extends beyond literature into ____, ____, and ____.

Answer 29

History, philosophy, and art