Ceist Eile

Ceist Eile is in development. Features, questions and prices may change while we refine it.

Subjects · Leaving Cert Classical Studies

Leaving Cert Classical Studies: Horace: Odes & Epodes

How often Horace: Odes & Epodes comes up on the Classical Studies papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 3 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

OL Asked on 3 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Horace: Odes & Epodes, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Horace: Odes & Epodes.

(a)What was the status of Horace's father?
  1. A senator
  2. A freedman
  3. A Greek poet
(b)What does Horace claim in Ode 3.30?
  1. He regrets giving his life to writing lyric poetry
  2. He will be buried beside Virgil on the Bay of Naples
  3. His poetry is a monument more lasting than bronze
(c)Who gave Horace his Sabine farm?
  1. Maecenas
  2. Virgil
  3. Augustus
Show the answers

(a) A freedman

(b) His poetry is a monument more lasting than bronze

(c) Maecenas

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Horace: Odes & Epodes.

Higher Level

Asked on 3 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q11
2024Q10, Q14
2023Q8

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Horace: Odes & Epodes questions

Horace: Odes & Epodes, 2 marks

Which idea is Ode 3.2 famous for?

  1. Wealth is the key to happiness
  2. Love is the only thing worth living for
  3. It is sweet and fitting to die for your country
Show the answer

It is sweet and fitting to die for your country

The Roman Ode praises military courage and virtue. Wilfred Owen later turned the line on its head in a First World War poem.

Horace: Odes & Epodes, 2 marks

What winter scene opens Ode 1.9?

  1. Storms at sea off Brundisium
  2. Mount Soracte white with deep snow
  3. The Tiber frozen solid
Show the answer

Mount Soracte white with deep snow

Horace tells Thaliarchus to pile the fire high and bring out old wine. Leave the rest to the gods and enjoy youth while it lasts.

Horace: Odes & Epodes, 3 marks

How does Horace's view of Cleopatra change in Ode 1.37?

  1. From mad, drunken queen to one who dies bravely
  2. From a heroine to a coward who flees her fate
  3. From Rome's enemy to Octavian's loyal friend
Show the answer

From mad, drunken queen to one who dies bravely

The ode opens in celebration of Actium. By the end, Cleopatra takes the snakes' poison calmly rather than be led in a triumph. Horace grants her a noble death.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 3 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q11
2024Q8
2023Q10

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Horace: Odes & Epodes questions

Horace: Odes & Epodes, 2 marks

What is the golden mean in Horace's Odes?

  1. Collecting as much gold as you possibly can
  2. Seeking glory in war whatever the danger
  3. Avoiding extremes and living a balanced life
Show the answer

Avoiding extremes and living a balanced life

In Ode 2.10 Horace says the middle path is safest: the tallest towers fall hardest and lightning strikes the mountain tops. Contentment beats great wealth or power.

Horace: Odes & Epodes, 3 marks

In Ode 3.30, what does Horace say his poetry will outlast?

  1. The gods
  2. Bronze monuments
  3. His own children
Show the answer

Bronze monuments

Horace calls his poems a monument more lasting than bronze and higher than the pyramids. He claims part of him will escape death through his fame.

Horace: Odes & Epodes, 2 marks

What does Horace's phrase carpe diem mean?

  1. Seize the day
  2. Remember you must die
  3. Love conquers all
Show the answer

Seize the day

In Ode 1.11 Horace tells Leuconoe not to try to read the future. Life is short, so enjoy today and trust tomorrow as little as possible.

Other Classical Studies topics

All of Leaving Cert Classical Studies