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THE ILIAD • QUIZ

The Iliad — Books 21–24 Quiz

A 10-question reading quiz on Books 21–24 of Homer’s Iliad, covering Achilles and Hector, the treatment of Hector’s body, Patroclus’ funeral games, Priam’s appeal to Achilles, and Hector’s funeral.

By Richer Resources Publications Editorial Team

 

The Iliad — Books 21–24 Quiz


This 10-question quiz checks students’ understanding of the final books of Homer’s Iliad. It covers Achilles’ pursuit and killing of Hector, his treatment of Hector’s body, the funeral games for Patroclus, Priam’s extraordinary appeal to Achilles, the return of Hector’s body, and the funeral that closes the poem.

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

1. What river god becomes angry with Achilles in Book 21?
A. Scamander
B. Oceanus
C. Styx
D. Alpheus

2. Why does Hector remain outside Troy to face Achilles?
A. He is ashamed to retreat and chooses to face him
B. Priam locks the gates
C. Zeus orders him to surrender
D. Paris forces him

3. Who kills Hector?
A. Achilles
B. Ajax
C. Menelaus
D. Patroclus

4. What does Achilles do with Hector’s body?
A. Drags and abuses it instead of returning it at once
B. Burns it immediately
C. Returns it untouched to Priam
D. Leaves it on the battlefield

5. What major event occupies much of Book 23?
A. Funeral games for Patroclus
B. The Trojan Horse
C. Achilles’ wedding
D. A peace treaty

6. Why does Priam go to Achilles?
A. To ransom Hector’s body
B. To challenge him
C. To recover Helen
D. To surrender Troy

7. Whom does Priam ask Achilles to remember?
A. His father Peleus
B. Patroclus
C. Agamemnon
D. Paris

8. How does Achilles respond to Priam’s appeal?
A. He is moved and returns Hector’s body
B. He imprisons Priam
C. He refuses to speak
D. He demands Troy’s surrender

9. What does Achilles allow the Trojans time to do?
A. Mourn and bury Hector
B. Build the Trojan Horse
C. Attack the Greek ships
D. Crown Paris

10. What event ends the Iliad?
A. Hector’s funeral
B. The fall of Troy
C. Achilles’ death
D. The Trojan Horse

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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