Anthology: "The Myth of Perseus" (L3)

Anthology: "The Myth of Perseus"

Lesson 3

Lesson Points:

• 📌 Point 1: Relate characters to plot development and determine key details (p. 15)

• 📌 Point 2: Relate character actions to character traits (p. 15)

Multiple Choice

Q1, p. 15:

Why does Acrisius (Danaë's father) refrain from killing Perseus after he is born?

• a. He promised the Oracle

• b. He knew he would be punished by Zeus.

• c. He could not find the child.

• d. He always put others' needs before his own.

Multiple Choice

Q2, p. 15:

Which of the following lines offers evidence that Perseus is noble?

• a. "Despondent, he didn't go back to his mother at Dictys's cottage."

• b. "Perseus grew up a fisherman, with all the health and strength that such a life give a man."

• c. "He told her all his adventures, and many tears were shed."

• d. "Perseus said he would get Medusa's head, and somehow he would, or die in the attempt.

Multiple Choice

Q3, p. 15:

Why do Athena and Hermes want to help Perseus?

• a. He is the son of Zeus.

• b. He is a noble hero.

• c. He has shown great strength already in meeting obstacles.

• d. They were sent by the Oracle to help him.

Multiple Choice

Q4, p. 15:

Why does Perseus risk his life to help Andromeda?

• a. It is part of his quest.

• b. He is naturally inclined to help a person in trouble.

• c. Andromeda has been taken hostage by Medusa.

• d. He knows it is his fate to marry her.

Multiple Choice

Q5, p. 15:

Why does Acrisius run away when Perseus comes to Argos?

• a. He has heard that Perseus wants to become a king of Argos.

• b. He does not want to upset Zeus.

• c. He is afraid to see Danaë.

• d. He fears that Perseus will want to punish him.

Character traits:

Well, they're 📌 the parts of a person's behavior and attitude that makes up their personality.📌 Everyone has character traits, both good and bad, even characters in books. 

📌 Character traits are often shown with descriptive adjectives, like patient, faithful, or jealous. 📌

Q6, p. 15:

What are the most evident character traits of Perseus, and how does he demonstrate them? Cite two examples from the myth in your response.

Q6, p. 15: What are the most evident character traits of Perseus, and how does he demonstrate them? Cite two examples from the myth in your response.

(Take 2-3 min. and look in the text for places that talk about Perseus and his character/actions.)

Open Ended

(Type your response from #6...what is Perseus like? And his character traits?)

Q6, p. 15: What are the most evident character traits of Perseus, and how does he demonstrate them? Cite two examples from the myth in your response.

Perseus is strong, courageous, loyal, confident, fearless, open-minded, appreciative, inclined to act on his convictions, and determined to do what is right for others and himself. His confidence and fearlessness are evident in the way he reacts to Polydectes' challenge to retrieve Medusa's head. While he figures this will be an impossible feat to attain, he assures Polydectes that he will find it and does not convey any uncertainty. His loyalty is evident in his devotion to the quest, which he undertakes for the sake of his mother. His determination to do what is right for others is apparent when he sees Andromeda struggling in the clutches of a sea serpent. He cannot resist helping her, which shows he has a genuine concern for others.

Q7, p. 16:

Writers reveal characters' personalities through thoughts, actions, and speech. Choose one of these three techniques and explain how they are used to develop the character of Perseus in the myth. Support your response with examples from the text.

Q7, p. 16: What are the most evident character traits of Perseus, and how does he demonstrate them? Cite two examples from the myth in your response.

(Take 2-3 min. and look in the text for places that talk about Perseus and his character/actions.)

Open Ended

What are the most evident character traits of Perseus, and how does he demonstrate them? Cite two examples from the myth in your response.

What are the most evident character traits of Perseus, and how does he demonstrate them? Cite two examples from the myth in your response.

Answer: The author's description of the actions of Perseus show how he develops into a courageous man. We see this when he accepts Polydectes' challenge to fetch Medusa's head. Rather than return "despondently" to his mother, the author states he walked alone hoping Fate would show him what to do. As a result, he receives valuable help from Hermes and Athena, which later allow him to courageously fight for Medusa's head. The author's use of dialogue also shows that Perseus is grateful (he thanks Athena ad Hermes for their assistance) and develops into a courageous ruler. His speech is brief but powerful when he returns to Polydectes and turns him into stone with Medusa's head. This reveals his courage.

In-class work/Homework:

Complete the Microsoft Form entitled "Reading Check: "The Myth of Perseus" for homework this weekend! Remember to submit it!