"The Golden Apple"
What was the golden apple, and why was it significant?
The golden apple was a prize inscribed with the words "For the Fairest." It was significant because it caused a dispute between three goddesses—Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite—leading to the Judgement of Paris and the events that started the Trojan War.
Why did the Greek leaders decide to go to war with Troy?
The Greek leaders went to war with Troy to retrieve Helen, who had been taken by Paris. Helen was the wife of Menelaus, and her abduction was seen as an insult to Menelaus and the Greek people.
What causes the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles?
The quarrel arises when Agamemnon takes Briseis, a woman awarded to Achilles as a prize of war, after being forced to return his own prize, Chryseis, to appease Apollo.
Who are Chryseis and Briseis?
Captured maidens made slaves to Agamemnon and Achilles
Based on its context, which of the following best explains the meaning of "pestilence"?
A. A sudden storm that destroys ships
B. A deadly disease that spreads rapidly
C. A disagreement between leaders
D. A punishment for disobeying the gods
B. A deadly disease that spreads rapidly
Who were the three goddesses who wanted the golden apple?
The three goddesses were Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.
Who is Agamemnon, and what role does he play in gathering the Greek forces?
Agamemnon is the High King of the Greeks and the brother of Menelaus. He is responsible for organizing and leading the Greek forces to Troy.
How does Achilles react to Agamemnon's actions?
Achilles becomes furious and refuses to fight for the Greeks. He withdraws from the war and asks his mother, Thetis, to plead with Zeus to turn the tide of the battle against the Greeks.
Why must Agamemnon return Chryseis to her father?
To end the pestilence that is killing the Greek army
Based on its context, what does "weary" most likely mean?
A. Angry and resentful
B. Confused and uncertain
C. Excited and hopeful
D. Tired and worn out
D. Tired and worn out
Why did Paris choose Aphrodite over the other goddesses?
Paris chose Aphrodite because she promised him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, as his wife.
What sacrifice does Agamemnon have to make to appease the gods, and why?
Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis, who had stilled the winds needed for the Greek ships to sail. This act was necessary to gain her favor and ensure the fleet could reach Troy.
Why is this quarrel important to the story of the Trojan War?
The quarrel is significant because Achilles’ withdrawal weakens the Greek forces, causing them to suffer heavy losses. This sets up the dramatic arc of Achilles’ eventual return to battle and the unfolding of key events in the Trojan War.
What is a character trait of Helen and Paris?
Ex. selfish or impulsive
Based on its context, what does "despair" most likely mean?
A. A feeling of deep sadness and hopelessness
B. A sense of anger and frustration
C. A moment of excitement and anticipation
D. A state of confusion and indecision
A. A feeling of deep sadness and hopelessness
How does Paris’ decision reflect his character?
Paris’ decision reflects his desire for personal pleasure and beauty over power or wisdom, suggesting a focus on superficial values.
Achilles was the son of—
King Peleus and Thetis of the Silver Feet
How does Apollo punish the Greeks, and why?
Apollo sends a plague upon the Greek army because Agamemnon refuses to return Chryseis to her father.
What is a character trait of Odysseus?
Answers may vary.
Cunning/resourceful
Based on its context, what does "brooding" most likely mean?
A. Feeling cheerful and lighthearted
B. Sitting quietly and thinking with deep focus, often in anger or sadness
C. Acting in a carefree and joyful manner
D. Speaking loudly and passionately to others
B. Sitting quietly and thinking with deep focus, often in anger or sadness
How does the myth of the golden apple explain the start of the Trojan War?
The myth explains the start of the Trojan War as a chain reaction: Paris’ choice led to Helen’s abduction, which angered the Greeks and motivated them to wage war on Troy.
Despite Thetis’s attempt to protect her son, in the end what did she realize?
Her son must choose his own path.
How does this quarrel affect the unity of the Greek forces?
The quarrel creates division and weakens the Greek forces, leaving them vulnerable to Trojan attacks and creating tension among their leaders.
"Conceal"
Which of the following sentences best shows what "conceal" means?
A. Paris decided to openly show his admiration for Aphrodite.
B. Helen tried to conceal her true feelings about being taken to Troy.
C. Agamemnon proudly displayed the sacrifice he made to the gods.
D. The Greeks prepared their ships in plain view for everyone to see.
B. Helen tried to conceal her true feelings about being taken to Troy.
Based on its context, what does "summons" most likely mean?
A. A casual invitation to join an event
B. A message of farewell or departure
C. A formal request or order to appear or gather
D. A command to leave immediately
C. A formal request or order to appear or gather