Odysseus and the Sirens Quiz

Who is Dawn, and how is she described at the beginning of this excerpt?

• A goddess with rosy fingers who sets the moon.

• The morning personified, mounting her golden throne.

• A powerful deity guiding Odysseus to safety.

• A servant of Helios who commands the winds.

What instructions does Circe give Odysseus regarding the Sirens?

• To attack the Sirens with weapons.

• To let his crew listen to their song.

• To avoid the Sirens entirely.

• To tie himself to the mast and block his crew’s ears with wax.

What precautions does Odysseus take to prepare his crew for encountering the Sirens?

• He ties them to the mast and sails the ship alone.

• He lays thick wax on their ears and instructs them to tie him to the mast.

• He gives them swords to fight the Sirens.

• He avoids passing by the Sirens’ island.

Why does Odysseus have himself tied to the mast of the ship? What does this reveal about his leadership?

• He wants to lead by example, showing his fearlessness.

• He wants to hear the Sirens’ song without endangering his crew.

• He believes it will make the gods favor him.

• He is afraid of being overpowered by the Sirens.

What is the purpose of the beeswax, and how is it used?

• To create a sealant for the ship's mast.

• To block the crew’s ears, so they are not lured by the Sirens’ song.

• To fashion a makeshift weapon against the Sirens.

• To distract the Sirens with its scent.

Describe the Sirens’ song. What techniques do they use to lure sailors to their doom?

• They use terrifying shouts to frighten sailors into submission.

• They sing sweet, alluring melodies and appeal to sailors’ pride and past experiences.

• They promise sailors eternal life if they surrender.

• They disguise their voices as the sailors’ loved ones.

How does the crew respond to Odysseus’ pleas to be untied when he hears the Sirens’ song?

• They untie him and listen to the song with him.

• They row harder and ignore him completely.

• They tie him even tighter to the mast.

• They use the beeswax to block his voice.

What happens to the Sirens after Odysseus and his crew pass beyond them?

• They sing louder to try to bring the ship back.

• They sink below the sea and their singing fades away.

• They follow the ship, still trying to lure the sailors.

• They vanish into the sky in anger.

How does Homer use imagery to convey the danger and allure of the Sirens? Provide examples from the text.

• The song is described as "like honey twining," and the Sirens promise knowledge of Troy.

• The Sirens are described as terrifying monsters with claws.

• The waves are said to crash violently against the Sirens’ island.

• The sun disappears, signaling the Sirens’ approach.

What does this episode demonstrate about Odysseus’ character and his ability to lead his men through dangerous situations?

• Odysseus is reckless and disregards his crew’s safety.

• Odysseus is wise, cautious, and willing to face danger for knowledge.

• Odysseus relies entirely on his crew to make decisions.

• Odysseus shows little concern for the challenges they face.