“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.

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“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.

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
(You create this one!)
Evidence / 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.
Analysis / 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.
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“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.

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“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 self-obsessed.
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 self-protection.
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?

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“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.

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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