Book XVII Quiz — The Odyssey

Who is the first person at the palace to see Telemachus when he returns home?

• Penelope
• Euryclea
• Eumaeus
• Antinous

What does Melanthius do to Ulysses on the road to the palace?

• Spits on him
• Kicks him on the hip
• Throws a stone at him
• Blocks his path with goats

What happens to the dog Argos after he recognizes Ulysses?

• He follows Ulysses into the palace
• He barks and alerts the suitors
• He dies immediately
• He runs away from the palace

What object does Antinous throw at the disguised Ulysses?

• A wine cup
• A footstool
• A piece of bread
• A bone

What prophecy does Theoclymenus deliver to Penelope?

• Ulysses has died at sea
• Ulysses is already in Ithaca preparing vengeance
• Telemachus will defeat the suitors alone
• The gods have abandoned Ithaca

Why does Ulysses ask Penelope to wait until nightfall to meet him?

• He needs time to bathe and change clothes
• He fears the suitors will mistreat him during the day
• He wants to eat dinner first
• He is waiting for a sign from Athena

What natural event does Penelope interpret as an omen that the suitors will die?

• A thunderclap
• Telemachus's sneeze
• An eagle flying overhead
• A crack of lightning

Ulysses attacks Melanthius after being kicked on the road.

The other suitors criticize Antinous for striking the beggar.

In Book XVII, what does "hecatombs" refer to?

• Military formations
• Large animal sacrifices to the gods
• Funeral processions
• Feasting halls

When Ulysses describes himself as "case-hardened," he means he is:

• Physically armored
• Emotionally numb
• Toughened by long experience of hardship
• Stubborn and inflexible

What does Antinous mean when he accuses Ulysses of "importunity"?

• Stealing food from the table
• Persistent and annoying begging
• Telling lies about his origins
• Threatening the suitors