Book VI Quiz — The Odyssey

How does Athena persuade Nausicaa to go to the river?

• She appears in a dream disguised as Nausicaa's friend
• She sends a messenger bird to Nausicaa's window
• She speaks to Nausicaa directly in the palace courtyard
• She convinces King Alcinous to order Nausicaa to go

Why does Nausicaa avoid mentioning marriage when asking her father for the wagon?

• She does not want her father to know she is thinking about marriage
• She is too modest to bring up the subject directly
• She has been forbidden to discuss marriage
• She does not actually want to get married

To what does Homer compare Nausicaa as she plays among her handmaids?

• Aphrodite rising from the sea
• Artemis (Diana) hunting among her nymphs
• Hera seated on her golden throne
• A swan gliding across a still lake

What animal does Homer compare Odysseus to when he emerges from the bushes?

• A bear driven from its den
• A lion stalking prey in the wilderness
• A wolf prowling through a village
• An eagle descending from the mountains

What does Odysseus compare Nausicaa to in his speech?

• A blooming rose in a garden
• A young palm tree growing near Apollo's altar at Delos
• A bright star in the night sky
• A golden statue in a temple

Why is Athena reluctant to appear directly to Odysseus in Book VI?

• She has been forbidden by Zeus from helping any mortals
• She fears angering her uncle Poseidon (Neptune)
• She believes Odysseus must prove himself without divine aid
• She is occupied with other affairs on Olympus

What reason does Nausicaa give for telling Odysseus to wait in the grove before entering the city?

• The city gates are closed at night
• She fears gossip about being seen with a strange man
• Foreign men are not allowed within the city walls
• She wants time to prepare her parents for his arrival

Whom does Nausicaa advise Odysseus to approach first at the palace?

• King Alcinous
• The palace guards
• Queen Arete
• The chief steward

True or false: Nausicaa's handmaids bravely stand their ground when Odysseus emerges from the bushes.

True or false: Odysseus clasps Nausicaa's knees in the traditional gesture of supplication.

In the phrase "begrimed with salt water," what does "begrimed" most nearly mean?

• Burned or scorched
• Made dirty or grimy
• Swollen or bloated
• Weakened or exhausted

When Nausicaa warns about "disparaging" remarks, she means remarks that are:

• Encouraging and supportive
• Mysterious and cryptic
• Belittling and derogatory
• Loud and frightening

What is a "cruse" as used in the phrase "a golden cruse of oil"?

• A large barrel or cask
• A type of precious gemstone
• A small container for holding liquids
• A decorative drinking cup