Book XXIII Quiz — The Odyssey

Who brings Penelope the news that Odysseus has returned?

• Telemachus
• Euryclea
• Eurynome
• Athena

What is Penelope's initial reaction to the news of Odysseus's return?

• She runs downstairs to embrace him immediately
• She accuses Euryclea of being maddened by the gods
• She faints from shock
• She begins weeping with joy

What ruse does Odysseus devise to conceal the slaughter of the suitors?

• He has the bodies buried in the garden at night
• He sends messengers to claim the suitors left on a voyage
• He orders music and dancing to make it sound like a wedding
• He bars the palace doors and forbids anyone from leaving

What makes the marriage bed of Odysseus and Penelope impossible to move?

• It is chained to the palace walls with bronze links
• It is built around a living olive tree rooted in the ground
• It is carved from a single boulder and far too heavy to lift
• It is held in place by a divine enchantment from Athena

How does Athena alter Odysseus's appearance after he bathes?

• She makes him appear younger, with red hair and a short beard
• She makes him taller and stronger, with thick curly hair like hyacinth blossoms
• She disguises him as a wealthy foreign merchant
• She restores his appearance to exactly how he looked twenty years ago

What historical figure does Penelope reference as a cautionary example of a woman who was deceived?

• Clytemnestra
• Circe
• Calypso
• Helen of Troy

What future journey does Odysseus reveal he must undertake, according to the prophecy of Teiresias?

• He must sail to the island of the sun god and make amends
• He must travel inland carrying an oar until someone mistakes it for a winnowing shovel
• He must return to the land of the Phaeacians with tribute
• He must visit all the kingdoms he wronged during his journey home

True or False: Telemachus criticizes Penelope for being cold toward Odysseus.

True or False: Penelope recognizes Odysseus as soon as Athena transforms his appearance.

In the text, Penelope tells Euryclea not to "exult too confidently." What does "exult" mean?

• To speak in a whisper
• To show triumphant joy or jubilation
• To make a solemn promise
• To exaggerate beyond the truth

When Penelope says Euryclea can "hardly fathom the counsels of the gods," what does "fathom" mean?

• To measure the depth of water
• To accept without question
• To understand or comprehend fully
• To predict future events

Odysseus says he must "offer hecatombs to all the gods." What are hecatombs?

• Sacred hymns sung during festivals
• Large-scale sacrificial offerings to the gods
• Temples built in honor of the gods
• Written prayers inscribed on tablets