The Odyssey: Key Characters and Themes

The first book of Homer's Odyssey begins with an invocation to the Muse, setting the stage for Odysseus's story. Odysseus is held captive by Calypso, while chaos ensues in Ithaca due to his absence. Athena pleads with Zeus to help Odysseus, and she visits Ithaca disguised as Mentes to inspire Telemachus. Penelope uses a weaving ruse to delay choosing a suitor. The book ends with Telemachus gaining confidence to confront the suitors and seek news of his father.

Who is the narrator asking for inspiration to tell the story of Odysseus?

• The Muse

• Calypso

• Zeus

• Athena

Who is holding Odysseus captive on her island?

• Calypso

• Circe

• Penelope

• Athena

Which goddess advocates for Odysseus during the council of gods?

• Hera

• Aphrodite

• Athena

• Demeter

What is the main reason for chaos in Ithaca during Odysseus's absence?

• A natural disaster

• A plague

• Suitors vying for Penelope

• A war

What lesson does Zeus convey through the story of Aegisthus?

• Fate is unavoidable

• The gods are always to blame

• Humans often ignore divine warnings

• Humans should not trust the gods

In what disguise does Athena visit Ithaca?

• A beggar

• Mentes, an old family friend

• A soldier

• A merchant

What advice does Athena give to Telemachus?

• To give up hope

• To confront the suitors and seek news of his father

• To marry one of the suitors

• To leave Ithaca

What realization does Telemachus have after Athena's visit?

• The suitors are harmless

• The visitor was a goddess

• His father is dead

• He should leave Ithaca

How does Penelope delay choosing a suitor?

• By marrying someone else

• By leaving Ithaca

• By weaving a shroud and undoing it

• By hiding

Who exposes Penelope's deception to the suitors?

• Zeus

• Athena

• Her maid servants

• Her son