The Golden Curse

Which line from Scene 1 foreshadows, or hints at, what happens to King Midas after his wish is granted?

• SD3: Midas turns back to his treasure.

• Chorus 1: Behold King Midas of Phrygia, the richest man in all the land

• Chorus 2: Oh, misguided Midas, do you not know that a person cannot be nourished by treasure alone?

• Midas: Why would I leave? My precious gold shines brighter than the sun.

In Scene 3, Chorus 1 says, “For that is what Midas truly deserved.” The chorus means that

• Midas was a good man and deserved to be very rich.

• Midas made a foolish wish so he deserved whatever happened as a result.

• Dionysus owed Midas a favor.

• Midas did not deserve to have a wish granted.

Which words best describe Midas in Scenes 4 and 5?

• joyful and excited

• sad and distracted

• calm and thoughtful

• anxious and regretful

Which lines best support your answer to how King Midas is described in Scenes 4 and 5? Choose TWO!

• Midas (looking around): What? Was it all a dream?

• Midas: See how beautiful your roses are now!

• SD2: Midas stands and shuffles toward the door.

• Midas: My torches: gold! My windows: gold! My tapestries: gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!

In Scene 5, after Midas’s drink turns to gold, SD2 says, “Midas turns pale. His hand trembles as he reaches for a hunk of bread.” This line reveals that Midas is

• feeling sick after eating too much.

• beginning to regret his wish.

• excited to turn his bread into gold.

• still shocked by his power.

Which ideas are developed in the play? Choose TWO.

• Greed can lead to terrible consequences.

• Beauty isn’t everything.

• Money can’t buy happiness.

• Appearances can be deceiving.