Prometheus' Fire
(Citing Evidence)
(Citing Evidence)
What evidence in The Odyssey shows how the Cyclops's reaction to Odysseus’s name affects his ability to get help? Write the paragraph number of the evidence.
"Out of the cave came mighty Polyphemus’ voice in reply: 'O my friends, it’s Nobody’s treachery, not violence, that is doing me to death.'" (Paragraph 37)
What are some themes that are common between the two stories? Identify 2 of them.
excessive pride, intelligence over strength, defying divine authority, sacrifice, and the power of the gods
What does fire represent in Prometheus?
Fire represents knowledge.
What is the point of view in Prometheus? How does this affect the reader's understanding of Prometheus’s motivations?
Point of View: Third-person
Explanation: This allows the reader to understand both Prometheus’s actions and Zeus's thoughts, providing insight into both sides of the conflict.
When we sequence events, we put them in what sort of order?
Chrological
In the text, Prometheus states that Zeus 'has caused the race of man to appear on earth, but keeps him in ignorance and darkness.' What evidence from Zeus’s perspective supports this view? Write the paragraph number of the evidence.
"What you call ignorance is innocence. What you call darkness is the shadow of my decree. Man is happy now." (Paragraph 5)
How are humans destroyed by their pride? Give an example from each story (the humans in Prometheus and Odysseus in "The Cave.")
Prometheus: Humans start war, humans are no longer happy
Odysseus: Odysseus becomes cursed by Poseidon
What is personified in paragraph 17 of "The Cave"? Explain its meaning.
Figurative Language: "The wind shrieked like a giant in torment..." (The Cyclops, Paragraph 17)
Explanation: The wind is personified as "a giant in torment," which gives it human-like qualities of suffering and anguish. This personification emphasizes the wild, uncontrollable nature of the storm and adds a sense of urgency and danger to the situation, heightening the tension during Odysseus’s perilous journey.
In "The Cave," what is the point of view, and how does it affect the reader's perception of Odysseus?"
Point of View: First-person (Odysseus’s perspective).
Explanation: This creates a direct connection to Odysseus’s emotions and thoughts, showing his cleverness and the risks he takes.
Why is it important to put the events of a story in the correct order?
Stories unfold over time; the sequence of events can help characters develop over time, help themes reveal themselves, and contributes to better comprehension.
When Prometheus argues for giving fire to humanity, what evidence does he use to show the hardship humans face? Write the paragraph number of the evidence.
"He crouches in caves... He eats his meat raw... He is at the mercy of beast and weather." (Paragraph 4)
What stage of the Hero's Journey would the Cyclops' Cave fall into?
It is a hero's journey because he leaves the ordinary world, travels to the special world, faces many obstacles and challenges. Odysseus is in the Trials stage during the Cyclops' Cave.
What is the effect of the figurative language in paragraph 35: ‘The scorching heat singed his lids and brow all round, while his eyeball blazed and the very roots crackled in the flame’ in "The Cave?"
Effect: The language intensifies the image of pain and suffering, making the reader feel the pain of the Cyclops. (Paragraph 35)
"From Zeus's perspective in Prometheus, why is Prometheus's gift of fire seen as dangerous?"
Explanation: This perspective lets the reader understand Zeus's fear that fire will lead humans to become prideful and potentially challenge the gods.
Prompt: "Put the following events from the Prometheus myth in the correct order:"
A. Prometheus steals fire from the gods.
B. Zeus refuses to give fire to man.
C. Zeus punishes Prometheus.
D. Prometheus brings fire to humanity.
Correct Order
B. Zeus refuses to give fire to man. (Paragraph 5)
A. Prometheus steals fire from the gods. (Paragraph 10)
D. Prometheus brings fire to humanity. (Paragraph 14)
C. Zeus punishes Prometheus. (Paragraph 16)
What evidence supports the idea that Prometheus takes action despite Zeus’s warnings? Write the paragraph number of the evidence.
"Prometheus stretched his arm to the eastern horizon... He thrust it into the sunrise until a spark smoldered." (Paragraph 10)
Zeus argues that man’s ignorance is 'innocence.' What does this say about Zeus’s view on human knowledge? Identify the theme and write the paragraph number of the evidence to support it.
Ignorance is bliss.
Evidence: "What you call ignorance is innocence. Man is happy now." (Paragraph 5)
Identify a metaphor in paragraph 12 (Prometheus’s description of fire) and explain its meaning."
Figurative Language: "This that I have brought you is called 'fire,' an ill-natured spirit, a little brother of the sun." (Paragraph 12)
Explanation: This metaphor portrays fire as a mischievous entity that can be both helpful and dangerous.
"How does Odysseus’s first-person point of view in The Cyclops shape the dramatic irony in the scene when he tells the Cyclops his name?"
Explanation: The first-person point of view heightens the suspense, as the reader knows Odysseus's plan while the Cyclops is unaware of the deception.
Prompt: "Put the following events from the Cyclops chapter of The Odyssey in the correct order:"
A. The Cyclops drinks the wine.
B. Odysseus and his men blind the Cyclops.
C. The Cyclops calls for help, saying "Nobody" is attacking him.
D. Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is "Nobody."
Correct Order:
A. The Cyclops drinks the wine. (Paragraph 31)
D. Odysseus tells the Cyclops that his name is "Nobody." (Paragraph 33)
B. Odysseus and his men blind the Cyclops with a sharp stake. (Paragraph 35)
C. The Cyclops calls for help, saying "Nobody" is attacking him. (Paragraph 37)
In what paragraph does Odysseus deceive the Cyclops? Write the paragraph number of the evidence.
"Cyclops, I said, 'you ask me my name. I’ll tell it to you; and in return give me the gift you promised me. My name is Nobody.'" (Paragraph 33)
Prometheus is punished for his actions by Zeus. What is the message about his sacrifice in this story? Identify the theme and write the paragraph number of the evidence.
Sacrifice for the greater good.
Evidence: "He thrust it into the sunrise... Prometheus took fire from the sun to give to man, knowing it would anger Zeus." (Paragraph 10)
Why does Odysseus use foreshadowing in "The Cave?"
Odysseus uses foreshadowing to create suspense and interest in the story he is telling to King Alcinous.
"How does the first-person point of view in The Cyclops influence how we view Odysseus's decision to trick the Cyclops?"
Explanation: The first-person point of view allows the reader to understand Odysseus’s reasoning and internal struggle, making his trickery feel more personal and strategic.
Prompt: "Put these events in the correct order from Prometheus’s actions:"
A. Prometheus steals fire from the gods and brings it to humanity.
B. Prometheus talks with Zeus and learns the gods' views on humanity.
C. Zeus punishes Prometheus.
D. Humans begin using fire to cook and build.
Correct Order:
B. Prometheus talks with Zeus and learns the gods' views on humanity. (Paragraphs 2-7)
A. Prometheus steals fire from the gods and brings it to humanity. (Paragraph 10)
D. Humans begin using fire to cook and build. (Paragraph 14)
C. Zeus punishes Prometheus. (Paragraph 16)