Pyrrhus was an ancient Greek king who won a battle but suffered very heavy losses.

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

The swordsman achieved a Pyrrhic victory.

• a victory against challenging odds

• a success that comes at a huge loss

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the early nineteenth century, factories were replacing the jobs of craftsmen. Some of these craftsmen banded together to destroy the new machinery; those who did so were called Luddites.

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

Cindy thinks Mr. Nolan is a Luddite because he doesn't own a cell phone.

• a person without much money

• a person opposed to new technology

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the Bible, Jesus counsels his followers to resist retaliation. He says that if they are struck on the right cheek, they shouldn't lash out; instead, they should turn the other cheek toward their attacker.

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

Much to our shock, Ronnie chose to turn the other cheek when Meg insulted him in a meeting.

• to respond harshly

• to respond without aggression

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Soldiers from the city of Sparta in ancient Greece were known for their self-restraint, self-discipline, and indifference to luxury.

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

Reagan was known among her coworkers for her spartan ways.

• silly and unusual

• simple and restrained

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Robert Louis Stevenson's popular Victorian novella Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydetells the story of a man with two distinct personalities. Known to the world as a kind and highly respected doctor, at night he transforms into a monstrous person.

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

"John's personality is very Jekyll and Hyde," Patty told her brother.

• kind then cruel

• impolite then selfish

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, the gods send Pandora a box and instruct her never to open it. Curiosity overcomes Pandora and she opens it, unleashing evil into the world.

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

Reopening the investigation would be like opening Pandora's box.

• a source of many problems

• a wealth of information

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Romeo is known for the eloquent declaration of love with which he woos Juliet.

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

Before Nancy had even met her future husband in person, she knew about his reputation as a Romeo.

• a man who is shy and hard to approach

• a man who is very romantic

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In a Biblical parable, the prodigal son irresponsibly spends the inheritance given to him by his father. When he returns home, he expects to be shamed, but his father forgives him.

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

Tanner dropped out of college to travel the world, but a year later, the prodigal son returned home and re-enrolled in classes.

• a person who values adventure over priorities

• a person who behaves recklessly but later realizes their mistakes and returns

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, ambrosia is the name for the food of the gods.

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

Louanne's Ice Cream Parlor has the best dessert short of ambrosia!

• a heavenly delicacy

• something unusual or exciting

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

During the Renaissance, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince, an essay that claims that achieving and maintaining political power requires dishonesty and ruthlessness.

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

His Machiavellian strategies landed him a promotion.

• deceptive and cutthroat

• kind and understanding

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CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4