Past Paper questions Flashcards
Who was Helen’s ‘foreign lover’ (line 10) and to which city did he take her?
Paris / Alexandros / Prince of Troy / Son of Trojan king (1) and Troy / Ilium (1)
What was the ‘infallible proof’ (line 2) that Odysseus had just given Penelope to convince her of his identity? Give three details.
the bed could not be moved (1) as he had built it himself (1) / round an (olive-)tree (1) / in the courtyard (1) /; the tree was long-leaved (1) / and thick-trunked (1); the tree formed one of the bed-posts (1) / he roofed the room himself (1) / decorated it with gold / silver / ivory (1) / and purple straps (across the frame) (1) / only Odysseus and Penelope knew about this (1)
Which event does Odysseus take part in during the games Alcinous holds and who helps him?
Discus (1) and Athene (1)
How did Athene help Odysseus reach Alcinous’ palace after he left Nausicaa? Give three details.
Three from: listened to him in her sacred grove (1) / although did not intervene yet (1) / later enveloped him in mist (1) / spoke to him in mortal form or young girl (1) / warned him re poor attitude of locals to visitors (1) / led him to palace (1) / told him to go to Queen (Arete) first (1) / spoke of Arete’s wisdom to him (1)
How has Eurycleia recognised Odysseus? Give two details.
Any two from: while Eurycleia was washing him (1) / she felt the scar (1) / caused by a boar (1) When he was younger (1)
How are the guilty maids punished later? Give three details.
Odysseus got Eurycleia to identify them (1) / ordered them to carry out corpses (1) / and clean up (1) / then to be killed by the sword (1) / but Telemachus used a (ship’s) cable (1) / to hang them (1) / in the narrow space (1) / outside or in the courtyard (1) / by the round-house (1)
Give the names of Nausicaa’s parents.
Alcinous and Arete
What does Nausicaa say to Odysseus and her maids at the end of this speech? Make three points.
Three from:
compliments him on his manners (1) / refers to the importance of the gods (1) / promises him clothes (1) / and any other help (1) / offers to give him directions or take him to the palace (1) / tells him where he is (1) / introduces herself (1) / and her family (1) / calms her maids (or stops them from running away) (1) / tells them to feed him (1) / and bathe him (or rub him with oil) (1).
What message has Telemachus sent Eumaeus to deliver? Make two points.
To tell Penelope (1) / that he (Telemachus) is safely home (1) / (and that) she should send ahousekeeper (1) / to inform Laertes (1).
What instructions does Odysseus give Telemachus to carry out when they reach the palace? Make three points.
don’t object when the suitors treat Odysseus badly (1) / be nice to them (1) / however they act (1) / gather weapons (1) / when Odysseus gives the word (1) / hide them away (1) / but leave out a few for Odysseus and Telemachus (1) / make up an excuse if the Suitors notice (1) / don’t tell anyone (or Penelope) that Odysseus is back (1) / sound out any loyal servants(1).
