Cambridge OCR GCSE (9-1) · Classical Civilisation - J199

The Portrayal of Key Characters: Practice Questions

4 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on The Portrayal of Key Characters.

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Question 1

1 mark

In Book 10 of the Odyssey, how is the character Circe primarily portrayed during her first encounter with Odysseus' crew?

Question 2

1 mark

In Book 10 of the Odyssey, how is the character of Circe portrayed to contrast her dual roles as a dangerous witch and a hospitable host?

Question 3

1 mark

In Homer's Odyssey, who is portrayed as the monstrous keeper of livestock that Odysseus must outsmart to escape?

Question 4

1 mark

In Book 10 of the Odyssey, how is Circe portrayed to represent the transition from a dangerous threat to a helpful host?

Question 5

6 marks

Homer uses the portrayal of key characters to explore complex moral and social dynamics in the Odyssey.

Explain how the portrayal of the crew of Odysseus in Book 10 (the Circe episode) contrasts with their depiction in Book 12 (the Cattle of the Sun), and analyze what this change reveals about the breakdown of Odysseus' leadership and the crew's loyalty.

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Question 6

5 marks

In the Odyssey, Homer develops the portrayal of key characters by contrasting their actions with social expectations. How does the portrayal of the suitors in Book 21 (the trial of the bow) specifically demonstrate their lack of fitness for the role of a king compared to the behavior of the disguised Odysseus in the same scene?

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Question 7

6 marks

Analyze how the portrayal of Polyphemus in Book 9 of the Odyssey serves as a contrast to the Greek concept of xenia.

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Question 8

5 marks

Homer’s Odyssey explores the portrayal of key characters through their interactions and social roles.

(a) How does Homer portray Penelope as a 'host' and a 'queen' during her interactions with the disguised Odysseus in Book 19?
(b) Explain the role of the gods in influencing the actions of characters in Book 22, specifically focusing on how Athena assists Odysseus and Telemachus.
(c) Compare the portrayal of the suitors with that of the crew of Odysseus. How does Homer use their behavior to justify their eventual fates?

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Question 9

6 marks

In the Odyssey, the portrayal of key characters is often used to explore the theme of loyalty.

(a) Explain how Penelope tests Odysseus’ identity in Book 19 or 23, and why this is significant for her characterization as a 'queen'.
(b) Contrast the loyalty of the swineherd Eumaeus with the disloyalty of the goatherd Melanthius. What does this suggest about Homer's view of a slave's duty?

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