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THE ILIAD • QUIZ

The Iliad — Books 9–12 Quiz

A 10-question reading quiz on Books 9–12 of Homer’s Iliad, covering the embassy to Achilles, Achilles’ refusal, the night raid, the wounded Greek leaders, and Hector’s breakthrough of the Greek defenses.

By Richer Resources Publications Editorial Team

 

The Iliad — Books 9–12 Quiz


This 10-question quiz checks students’ understanding of Books 9–12 of Homer’s Iliad. It focuses especially on the embassy sent to persuade Achilles to return to battle, Achilles’ response, the night expedition of Odysseus and Diomedes, the worsening situation of the Greek army, and Hector’s breakthrough of the Greek defenses.

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

1. Why is an embassy sent to Achilles?
A. To persuade him to return to battle
B. To arrest him
C. To send him home
D. To challenge him to a duel

2. Which man is NOT one of the principal speakers to Achilles in the embassy?
A. Odysseus
B. Phoenix
C. Ajax
D. Hector

3. Does Achilles agree to return to battle after the embassy?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only if Hector surrenders
D. Only for one day

4. What does Achilles’ refusal show he is questioning?
A. Whether glory and gifts are worth the cost
B. Whether Troy exists
C. Whether Zeus is a god
D. Whether Agamemnon is Greek

5. What dangerous mission do Odysseus and Diomedes undertake in Book 10?
A. A night raid
B. A voyage to Ithaca
C. A peace embassy to Priam
D. A funeral mission

6. Who is Dolon?
A. A Trojan scout captured during the night raid
B. A Greek king
C. A god
D. Achilles’ charioteer

7. What happens to several Greek leaders in Book 11?
A. They are wounded
B. They all leave Troy
C. They capture Hector
D. They surrender

8. Who urges Patroclus to learn why the Greeks are suffering?
A. Achilles
B. Nestor
C. Priam
D. Paris

9. Who breaks through the Greek wall in Book 12?
A. Hector
B. Achilles
C. Menelaus
D. Phoenix

10. By the end of Book 12, which side has the advantage?
A. Trojans
B. Greeks
C. Neither side is fighting
D. The gods alone

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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