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THE ILIAD • QUIZ

The Iliad — Books 13–16 Quiz

A 10-question reading quiz on Books 13–16 of Homer’s Iliad, covering the crisis at the Greek ships, Patroclus’ decision to fight in Achilles’ armor, the death of Sarpedon, and the events leading to Patroclus’ death.

By Richer Resources Publications Editorial Team

 

The Iliad — Books 13–16 Quiz


This 10-question quiz checks students’ understanding of Books 13–16 of Homer’s Iliad. It follows the growing danger to the Greek forces and one of the poem’s great turning points: Patroclus’ decision to enter battle wearing Achilles’ armor and the sequence of events that leads to his death.

Directions: Choose the best answer. Each question is worth 1 point. Total: 10 points.

1. What is happening to the Greeks as these books begin?
A. They are under severe pressure near the ships
B. They have captured Troy
C. They are sailing home
D. They have made peace

2. Who secretly encourages the Greeks in Book 13?
A. Poseidon
B. Hades
C. Hermes
D. Hephaestus

3. Why does Patroclus finally go to Achilles in tears?
A. The Greeks are suffering badly
B. He wants to leave Troy
C. He has lost Achilles’ armor
D. Priam has captured him

4. What does Patroclus ask Achilles to let him do?
A. Enter battle wearing Achilles’ armor
B. Challenge Zeus
C. Return to Greece
D. Negotiate with Priam

5. What warning does Achilles give Patroclus?
A. Drive the Trojans from the ships, then return
B. Capture Troy alone
C. Kill Priam
D. Never fight Hector

6. Whose armor does Patroclus wear?
A. Achilles’
B. Agamemnon’s
C. Hector’s
D. Ajax’s

7. Which Trojan ally does Patroclus kill?
A. Sarpedon
B. Paris
C. Aeneas
D. Priam

8. Who first strikes Patroclus in the sequence leading to his death?
A. Apollo
B. Hector
C. Achilles
D. Zeus

9. Who wounds Patroclus after Apollo strikes him?
A. Euphorbus
B. Paris
C. Aeneas
D. Glaucus

10. Who delivers the final blow to Patroclus?
A. Hector
B. Apollo
C. Euphorbus
D. Sarpedon

Free Printable Student Quiz

Students and teachers may download a free printable version of this 10-question quiz for classroom use.

A separate teacher answer key is also available below.

Look below for the printable student quiz and teacher answer key. 

Free PDF by Email

Available free to educators by email.

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