Studies in World Lit. IIMrs. Packer & Mrs. Haggerty

Review Questions for “Perseus” & “Theseus”

Answer the following questions about each of the Greek Myths we read. Use your notes and the stories to find answers!

  1. What is the prophecy issued at the beginning of the story?
  1. How does King Acrisius respond to the prophecy?
  1. How is Perseus conceived?
  1. How does King Acrisius punish Perseus and Danae?
  1. Who saves Perseus and Danae?
  1. Who is Polydectes? What is his relationship to Perseus and Danae?
  1. What scheme does Polydectes devise to get rid of Perseus?
  1. Who intervenes in order to help Perseus? Why do they intervene? How do they help him?
  1. Who are the Hyperboreans? How do they help Perseus? What three gifts do they give him?
  1. Who is Andromeda? Why is she being punished?
  1. How and why does Perseus save her?
  1. What does Perseus discover upon his return? How does he react?
  1. How is the initial prophecy fulfilled?
  1. How did King Aegeus expect to recognize his son?
  1. Who is Theseus' cousin?
  1. Why doesn't Theseus travel to Athens by ship?
  1. Explain Theseus' method of justice. Provide one example.
  1. Why did Aegeus try to kill Theseus?
  1. Who is Minos & what do you know about him?
  1. What did Daedalus do?
  1. What is the minotaur?
  1. Why does Theseus decide to pose as one of the 14 youths?
  1. How was Theseus successful in his adventure? (mention anyone who helps him!)
  1. How, according to the myth, did the Aegean Sea get its name?
  1. What happened to Ariadne? (there are 2 tales)
  1. Provide three adjectives that describe what kind of ruler Theseus is.
  1. Who is Pirithous?
  1. Explain how Theseus was helpful at Pirithous’ wedding.
  1. Why did Theseus kidnap Helen?
  1. Why did Pirithous go to the Underworld?
  1. What is the Chair of Forgetfulness?
  1. What ultimately happened to Pirithous?
  1. How did Theseus escape the Underworld?
  1. Who is Theseus’ last wife?
  1. Which goddess did Hippolytus favor?
  1. Which goddess did Hippolytus despise? And why?
  1. Who knew Theseus’ wife’s deepest secret?
  1. What is her secret?
  1. What is Hippolytus’ reaction to Theseus’ wife’s secret?
  1. Theseus’ wife had two plans. She ended up following plan 2. Explain both plans.
  1. What is Theseus’ reaction when he first returns to the house?
  1. What happens to Hippolytus? Why?
  1. Who tells Theseus the truth?
  1. Explain the circumstances of Theseus’ death.
  1. Define: foreshadowing -
  1. Define: foreboding –

Review the following information on the Hero’s Journey. Review your notes to explain how it relates to the stories of PerseusTheseus.

The Hero’s Journey

  1. Call to Adventure – the hero is called to begin a journey. Either the hero chooses to take this trip, or is dragged into it!
  1. Crossing the Threshold – The hero passes from the safety of the “known” world into the hazardous, scary “unknown.”
  1. Challenges and Tests – Now the hero must face a series of tough obstacles.
  1. A Supreme Test – The hero’s challenges climax in one big final “test.”
  1. Return – The hero returns home, or to everyday life – usually with a gift or reward.