Youth of Alcibiades

Youth of Alcibiades

The Story of the Greeks by H.A. Guerber.

Project Gutenberg, 2007. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23495/23495-h/23495-h.htm (03/20/2013)

Excerpt from The Story of the Greeks: “Youth of Alcibiades” by H. A. Guerber

As the Greeks all loved the Olympic games, Alcibiades was always seen there. He took part in the chariot races especially; and his horses won three prizes in succession, to the delight of his admirers.

Alcibiades was shrewd enough, in spite of all his vanity, to understand that the people of Athens loved him principally because he was handsome and rich. He also knew that they delighted in gossip, and he sometimes did a thing merely to hear them talk about it.

He had a very handsome dog, for instance; and for a little while its beauty was praised by everyone. But the Athenians soon grew used to the animal, and ceased to talk about it. Then Alcibiades had the dog’s hair cut short, and of course everyone began to exclaim about that.

Some of the Athenians became so inquisitive that they asked why he had done so, and he laughingly answered that it was merely in order to supply them with material for conversation and wonder.

On another occasion the councilors were all waiting for Alcibiades to begin their proceedings. He entered the hall with a crown of flowers on his head; begged them to excuse him, because he could really not attend to business, as he had a banquet at his house; and asked them to adjourn and go home with him.

Strange to relate, his manner was so fascinating that the grave councilors did as he wished, and dropped their important business to feast with him. It was on account of this influence that an Athenian citizen once bitterly exclaimed, “Go on, my brave boy! Your prosperity will bring ruin on this crowd.”

Youth of Alcibiades

Alcibiades was such a favorite among rich and poor that the Athenians would gladly have made him king. Fortunately, however, the young man still had sense enough to refuse this honor; but, although he would not accept the title, he exercised much of the power of a king, and soon he and Nicias were the principal politicians of the day.

Alcibiades was as ambitious as Nicias was careful; and while the latter was always trying to keep the Athenians as quiet and contented as possible, Alcibiades was always ready to think of some plan by which the power of the city could be extended.

This ambition of Alcibiades was destined to have a very bad effect upon his own fortunes and upon those of his native land, as can be seen by the end of his career.

Multiple Choice

1. What is Alcibiades’ attitude toward the business at the meetings?

• A.

  He expected it to be elaborately planned and scheduled.

• B.

  He wanted it to be extended to include the people of Athens.

• C.

  
  

  He failed to take it seriously, playing pranks and ignoring his duties.

• D.

  
  

  He decided that it should be the first and only real priority in his life.

Multiple Choice

2. What does the second sentence of paragraph 8 reveal about Alcibiades’s view of being a king?

• A.

  
  

  Alcibiades feels unsure that he deserves the title of king.

• B.

  
  

  Alcibiades believes the job of being king is silly and old-fashioned.

• C.

  
  

  Alcibiades enjoys having the power of a king without the responsibility of one.

• D.

  
  

  Alcibiades thinks he would be restricted from enjoying his feasts if he

  were king.

Multiple Choice

3. How does the author develop the points of view of the Athenian citizens?

• A.

  
  

  by portraying Alcibiades as a ruthless man

• B.

  
  

  by describing their reactions to Alcibiades’ actions

• C.

  
  

  by sharing the thoughts of Alcibiades’ family and friends

• D.

  
  

  by explaining the way Alcibiades felt about the people around him

Multiple Choice

4. Which statement supports the narrator’s point of view that Alcibiades was merry and lighthearted?

• A.

  
  

  He asked the councilors to skip the meeting to have fun with him.

• B.

  
  

  The councilors waited for him to begin their sessions.

• C.

  
  

  He was so wild that he captured birds just for fun.

• D.

  
  

  The citizens waited to see how he styled his dog.

Multiple Choice

5. According to paragraph 3, what can the reader infer about why Alcibiades cut his dog’s hair short?

• A.

  
  

  He was forced to do it.

• B.

  
  

  He wanted the attention.

• C.

  
  

  He was worried about his dog.

• D.

  
  

  He wanted his dog to look beautiful.

Multiple Choice

6. Based on the last sentence of the selection, what is being foreshadowed about Alcibiades’s future?

• A.

  
  

  He may become the King.

• B.

  
  

  He will earn a lot of money.

• C.

  
  

  His success may not continue.

• D.

  
  

  He will continue to work with Nicias.

Multiple Choice

7. Which statement from the selection shows that Alcibiades was beloved by the Greeks?

• A.

  
  

  “As the Greeks all loved the Olympic games, Alcibiades was always seen there.”

• B.

  
  

  “When he was first admitted to the city council, he acted like a schoolboy.”

• C.

  
  

  “Alcibiades was such a favorite among rich and poor that the Athenians would gladly have made him king.”

• D.

  
  

  “Alcibiades was as ambitious as Nicias was careful.”