Download “Athena`s Birth” Short Answer Cronus was told that one of his

“Athena’s Birth” Short Answer
Cronus was told that one of his children would eventually overthrow him as king, so he decided to eat
his children to prevent his defeat. However, the prophecy was fulfilled and Zeus became the “king of
gods.” How is Athena’s origin myth similar to Zeus’ story? Explain your answer and support it with
evidence from the selection.
Thesis
Athena’s origin story is similar to Zeus’ because both were prophesized to overthrow
their father and both escaped their father trying to kill them.
Evidence
When Metis became pregnant, the oracles told Zeus that her child would overthrow him,
just like “Zeus overthrew his own father Cronus and Cronus overthrew his father
Uranus.”
Analysis
(You create this
one!)
Your Turn! Create your own short answer for the following prompt:
Why is it significant that Athena sprang from Zeus’ head? Explain your answer and support it with
evidence from the selection.
Thesis
Evidence
Analysis
“Orpheus and Eurydice” Short Answer
How does the author of “Orpheus and Eurydice” connect the ancient myth to life today?
Explain your answer and support it with evidence from the selection.
Thesis
(You create this
one!)
Evidence
Analysis
According to the text, any time a person hears sad or grief-stricken songs in today’s
society, it is because the heartbroken spirit of Orpheus “guides the hand” of the
musician playing the piece.
Even though this tragic story of fated lovers is thousands of years old, this myth has
incredible staying power because emotionally charged music is timeless, as is the pain of
lost love. The author is able to connect this seemingly archaic story to a new generation
of readers because even though this story is now known to be just a myth, the themes
and ideas still resonate with audiences. Music and the pain of loss are universal.
Your Turn! Create your own short answer for the following prompt:
What theme is the author of this story trying to convey? Explain your answer and support it with
evidence from the selection.
Thesis
Evidence
Analysis
“Hades and Persephone” Short Answer
How does the myth of “Persephone and Hades” explain the changing of seasons? Explain your answer
and support it with evidence from the selection.
Thesis
In “Persephone and Hades,” Demeter’s role as goddess of agriculture and her feelings of
grief over the loss of her daughter dictate the changing of seasons.
Evidence
(You create this
one!)
Analysis
The Greeks used mythology to explain events in nature that they could not otherwise
explain. Demeter is the goddess of agriculture, and the earth’s harvest mirrored her own
emotions. When she grieved the loss of her daughter, the earth’s landscape was
desolate and dead. When Hades was forced to return Persephone to her mother, the joy
Demeter felt caused the earth’s plants to be reborn into spring.
Your Turn! Create your own short answer for the following prompt:
How does the author’s use of imagery create suspense in the story? Explain your answer and support it
with evidence from the selection.
Thesis
Evidence
Analysis
“The Reign of the Olympians” Short Answer
In the first paragraph the author makes reference to a “prophecy” that is given to Cronus. What does
this suggest about the mindset of the Greek gods?
Thesis
By suggesting that Cronus consumed his own children in order to prevent the prophecy
from coming true, the text implies that the Greek gods were power hungry and selfobsessed.
Evidence
When it was predicted that “Cronus would be overthrown by one of his children,” the
prophecy was taken very seriously, and that is why Cronus’ first instinct was one of selfprotection.
Analysis
(You create this
one!)
Your Turn! Create your own short answer for the following prompt:
In the first paragraph, the characterization of Zeus’s father, Cronus, is intended to invoke what type of
feeling within the reader?
Thesis
Evidence
Analysis
“Ancient Greek Gods’ New Believers” Short Answer
After reading “Ancient Greek gods’ new believers,” do you think the followers of the twelve Greek gods
should be considered a religion? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from the selection.
Thesis
(You create this
one!)
Evidence
Even if this ancient religion angers the Greek Orthodox Church, a “court last year
legitimized the religion,” which means they have a “human right” to actively participate
in their religion.
Analysis
If Greece was to take away their fundamental right to gather and hold a religious service,
then all policies founded on the democracy of their nation come in to question. Greece’s
democratic political system dictates that the twelve followers of Greek gods should be
allowed to practice religious freedom.
Your Turn! Create your own short answer for the following prompt:
What conflicting feelings do the Greek Orthodox Church and the followers of the twelve Greek gods
have? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from the selection.
Thesis
Evidence
Analysis
“Homecoming of Odysseus” Short Answer
How does the author of “Homecoming of Odysseus May Have Been in Eclipse” persuade the reader that
Odysseus’ return to Ithaca occurred during an eclipse? Explain your answer and support it with
evidence from the selection.
Thesis
Through the use of astronomical references in the Odyssey and the support of two
scientists, the author of “Homecoming of Odysseus May Have Been In Eclipse” is able to
persuade readers to believe that Odysseus’ return to Ithaca occurred during an eclipse.
Evidence
(You create this
one!)
Analysis
Because the author, John Wilford, uses scientific data to back up his claim, he is able to
verify that his statements are indeed true. He also is able to use the expertise of two
educated scientists to prove his point about an ancient eclipse. This gives the article
credibility and helps readers believe what Wilford is arguing.
Your Turn! Create your own short answer for the following prompt:
Explain whether or not you believe Odysseus’ return occurred during an eclipse. Explain your answer
and support it with evidence from the selection.
Thesis
Evidence
Analysis