Comprehension
Who is Circe's Father?
Helios, the Titan god of the sun
What is imagery?
Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses
What does “tone” mean in literature?
The author’s or narrator’s attitude toward the subject or audience
What was the first word that Aeëtes spoke? What was the second?
The first word: Circe
The second word: sister
What is conflict?
Conflict is a struggle or problem that a character faces in a story.
It can be inside the character’s mind (internal conflict) or between the character and something or someone else (external conflict).
What does Circe discover about herself that sets her apart from her family?
She has a human-like voice and emotions, unlike the gods’ cold detachment
Give an example of imagery from Chapters 1–3. (You can use your book)
(Answers may vary) “His voice was a crack of thunder, his eyes burning like fire.” (Helios’s description)
What tone best describes Circe’s narration in Chapter 1?
Reflective and curious
What do Helios’s actions reveal about his character?
He is proud, controlling, and expects obedience; his presence is intimidating and fiery.
What is Circe’s relationship like with her siblings?
They tease and belittle her.
Who does Circe encounter that introduces her to the concept of transformation or magic?
Prometheus
How does Miller use imagery to describe Circe’s father, Helios? (go through Chps 1-3 to see how Miller describes Helios)
Through light and fire imagery—his presence glows, radiates, and commands attention
Identify a phrase that shows tone in Chapter 3. (look back through chapters to find)
(Answers may vary) “My voice sounded small, like a mortal’s.” (Tone: insecure and self-conscious)
How does Prometheus’s punishment shape Circe’s understanding of the gods?
She realizes that kindness is punished among the gods, deepening her empathy for mortals.
What moment best shows Circe’s growing conflict with divine values?
Her sympathy for Prometheus, which goes against her father’s expectations.
How does Circe feel when she realizes she is different from her family?
She feels isolated, insecure, and ashamed but also curious
How does imagery help the reader understand Circe’s emotions?
It shows her amazement, fear, and loneliness. It also shows her battle within herself.
How does tone help us understand Circe’s relationship with her family?
It reveals her feelings of rejection, longing for acceptance, and quiet defiance
How do you think Circe’s mother, influence Circe’s self-image?
Her mother belittles Circe’s voice and looks, causing Circe to internalize shame and insecurity.
How does Circe’s growing compassion for mortals put her in conflict with the values of her divine family by the end of Chapter 3?
Her empathy for mortals—especially her defense of Prometheus and her love for Glaucus—contradicts the gods’ belief that humans are beneath them, causing her to feel even more alienated from her own kind.
How does Circe's feel about her brother Aeëtes (Eagle)?
Circe's admired Aeëtes. Even though their mother weren't interested in him, Circe's wanted him.
What was the first word that Aeëtes spoke? What was the second?
The first word: Circe
The second word: sister
How does Circe’s tone shift from when she talks about her father, Helios, to when she talks about her brother, Aeëtes?
When Circe talks about her father, her tone is fearful and reverent (deep respect)—she describes him with awe and intimidation, focusing on his power and pride.
When she talks about her brother Aeëtes, her tone becomes admiring yet affectionate—she respects his intelligence and independence, and she feels more understood by him than by anyone else in her family.
What are the names of Circe's siblings?
Perse & Paisphaë
What type of conflict does Circe face early in the book?
An internal conflict—she feels she doesn’t belong among the gods.