Latin II: Arachne Review

Arachne's pride grew to be too great, exemplified by her boasting that she was better than even Minerva herself.

• True

• False

Which of the following supports the idea that Arachne had too much pride, or hubris?

• At least Arachne's fame became so great that people used to come from far and wide to watch her working.

• Surely a goddess herself must have taught her, people would murmur to one another.

• Arachne was used to being wondered at, and she was immensely proud of the skill that had brought so many to look on her.

• Praise was all she lived for, and it displeased her greatly that people should think anyone, even a goddess, could teach her anything.

• Even the nymphs abandoned their habitats to come watch Arachne spin and weave her thread.

Why is Arachne cursed at the end of the myth?

• Arachne cheated in the weaving contest.

• Arachne was more beautiful than Minerva.

• Arachne was a better weaver than Minerva.

• Arachne insulted Minerva and her skills.

• Arachne bragged about her superior beauty and fame.

Which best proves Minerva felt guilty for punishing Arachne?

• The goddess was weaving a warning hoping that Arachne would learn and stop this contest.

• The goddess touched the rope and the maiden, turning her into a spider for the rest of her life rather than leaving her dead.

• Arachne realized that she was up against the toughest competition she'd ever faced.

• Arachne was used to the crowds staring at her and rose up in stature.

• The nymphs helped pull Arachne's body down and the goddess looked upon her body with pity rather than anger.

What do the goddess and the maiden want throughout the story?

• to create a competition for the village

• neither want to be well known or stared at

• recognition for their great skills in weaving

• to be named the most beautiful and talented in the world

• to have their weaving declared the fastest and cleverest

Which could be a possible theme of the myth?

• Always be proud of your work and show others what you don't think they can do.

• One should not allow pride to cloud one's judgment or you could get into trouble.

• Elevate yourself to greatness above all.

• Never give anyone respect unless they clearly earn it.

• Always listen to the advice given by your parents or elders.

Why does Minerva disguise herself as an old woman at the beginning of the legend?

• To take Arachne by surprise and warn her.

• To get respect from Arachne through concealment.

• To show Arachne she was better than her.

• To make Arachne feel sorry for her and listen.

• To enrage Arachne and make her realize the danger.

Why does Minerva become angry at Arachne at the beginning of the story?

• Arachne does not like Minerva's weaving.

• Minerva does not like the way Arachne brags.

• Minerva does not like humans who weave well.

• Minerva does not like the challenge Arachne has given her.

• Arachne has been blaming Minerva for her poor weaving.

Which illustration would BEST match the end of the Arachne myth?

• A picture of Minerva with her great tapestry.

• A picture of a young woman weaving.

• A picture of a spider weaving a web.

• A picture of a beautiful Greek tapestry.

• A picture of Minerva and Arachne, weaving together.

Many people who came to watch Arachne wondered if the goddess Minerva had taught her to weave. Arachne's reaction to this wonderment suggests that she feels:

• Irate

• Confident

• Surprised

• Worried

• Thrilled