Allusions - Unit 2

Jason and Daniel are looking forward to the upcoming basketball season. Last year, their team had a lot of great players, but defense was their Achilles' heel. What does the phrase "Achilles heel" allude to?

• The story of Achilles whose heel was magical.

• The myth of Achilles whose heel was the only part of him that was mortal. A shot to the heel was the only way to kill Achilles. It was his weakness.

• The myth where Achilles overcame twelve labors.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RI.3.4

In the fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," a shepherd boy repeatedly tricks people in his village by falsely claiming that a wolf is coming to eat his flock. When a wolf actually comes and the boy cries for help, nobody believes him or comes to his aid.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
Lucy warned her youngest son not to cry wolf while wrestling with his older brother. 

• to raise a false alarm 
• to make howling sounds 
• to physically become a wolf
• none of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Define allusion. 

• a figure of speech that refers to a well-known story, event, person, or object from history in order to make a comparison in the readers' minds
• a figure of speech that is not meant to be taken literally 
• a comparison made using like or as that also utilizes personification 
• when the author appeals to the 5 senses of the reader to help the reader feel like we are experiencing what is happening in the reading.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

was a hero in Greek mythology who was renowned for his strength and courage. He is best known for completing his 12 labors,

• Perseus
• Athena
• Hercules 
• Hera

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Swimming for four hours this afternoon and not giving up took a ______________ effort. 

• atlas
• Herculean
• Pandora's box
• martial

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Speaking in front of a large crowd is my _____________.

• Midas touch
• Herculean
• chronology
• Achilles' heel

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.3.4

Read the source of the allusion.

John Hancock was a leader during the American Revolution. He is remembered for writing his name in large letters on the Declaration of Independence.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Put your John Hancock here on the form, please.

• a person's history

• a person's signature

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Read the source of the allusion.

In one of Aesop's fables, a country mouse enjoys eating fancy food with its cousin in the city. After dogs chase them, the country mouse decides that country life is better than city life.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

After a week at a fancy Chicago hotel, Kayla decided that she was more of a country mouse.

• someone who prefers safety over riches

• someone who prefers excitement over comfort

Read the source of the allusion.

In the fairy tale "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," the pied piper plays a magical pipe. Using the pipe, he gets animals and people to follow him.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

By promising to solve the town's problems, the mayor became a pied piper for supporters.

• a leader who gathers many followers

• a leader who listens to people

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Read the source of the allusion.

In classical mythology, Hercules is the son of a god and has amazing strength.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

It took a Herculean effort, but Ronald moved the giant branch out of the road.

• very dangerous

• very strong

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4