The Iliad — Books 1–4 Quiz
This 10-question quiz checks students’ understanding of the opening books of Homer’s Iliad, including Apollo’s plague, the dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon, Briseis, Achilles’ withdrawal from battle, Thetis’ appeal to Zeus, and the encounter between Paris and Menelaus.
Directions: Choose the best answer. Each question is worth 1 point. Total: 10 points.
1. Why does Apollo send a plague on the Greek army?
A. Agamemnon refuses to return Chryseis
B. Achilles insults Zeus
C. Hector destroys a temple
D. Paris steals Greek armor
2. What does Agamemnon take from Achilles?
A. His shield
B. Briseis
C. His horses
D. His spear
3. How does Achilles respond to the quarrel?
A. He withdraws from battle
B. He leaves for Troy
C. He challenges Hector immediately
D. He becomes Greek commander
4. Who prevents Achilles from killing Agamemnon?
A. Athena
B. Aphrodite
C. Artemis
D. Thetis
5. Who is Achilles’ divine mother?
A. Hera
B. Thetis
C. Athena
D. Helen
6. What does Thetis ask Zeus to do?
A. Help the Trojans until the Greeks honor Achilles
B. Destroy Troy immediately
C. Send Achilles home
D. Protect Agamemnon
7. Who fights Menelaus in single combat in Book 3?
A. Hector
B. Paris
C. Aeneas
D. Priam
8. Who rescues Paris from the duel?
A. Athena
B. Aphrodite
C. Hera
D. Apollo
9. What happens to the truce in Book 4?
A. It becomes permanent
B. It is broken and battle resumes
C. Achilles ends it
D. Priam surrenders
10. The opening conflict chiefly concerns Achilles’ sense of:
A. Honor
B. Wealth alone
C. Curiosity
D. Hospitality
Free Printable Student Quiz
Students and teachers may download a free printable version of this quiz. Teachers may also request the separate answer key.
Look below for the student quiz and teacher answer key.