Androcles and the Lion

How does the structure of Passage 1 create a different effect from Passage 2? 

• The slower narration creates a more serious mood 

• The long paragraphs create a dramatic atmosphere 

• The introductory paragraph establishes playfulness 

• The detailed description lends a greater sense of mystery 

Read this excerpt from Passage 2: 

“I must conquer these unkingly terrors. Mind you don’t go away from him, though.” (paragraph 5)

What do these sentences reveal about the emperor?

• He tries to continually improve himself 

• He believes rulers should appear courageous 

• He would rather fight than befriend Androcles 

• He feels he has to show he is physically stronger than the lion

Select two details from Passage 2 that show how the emperor pretends to change in order to avoid being attacked by the lion.

• “I am NOT afraid of him.” (paragraph 6)

• (The Emperor dashes madly up the steps, across the landing, and down again on the other side, with the lion in hot pursuit.) (paragraph 8)

• THE EMPEROR (shaking Androcles’ hands frantically) (paragraph 12)

• “My dearest Mr. Androcles, my sweetest friend, my long lost brother, come to my arms.” (paragraph 12)

• “Mind you don’t go away from him, though.” (paragraph 15)  

Read these sentences from Passage 2

3 ANDROCLES (naively)

Now I wonder why they all run away from us like that. (The lion combining yawns, purrs, and roars, achieves something very like a laugh)

What tone does this establish?

• Formal 

• Hopeless 

• Humorous 

• Mysterious 

Read this sentence from paragraph 16. 

16 ANDROCLES 

Oh, sir, how few men would have the courage to do that–

How does the word choice in this sentence add irony to the passage?

• It adds irony because Androcles is afraid of his own situation 

• It adds irony because the emperor wants to frighten the court 

• It adds irony because the emperor does not want to touch the lion

• It adds irony because Androcles does not think the emperor is brave

How does Passage 2 transform the characters of Androcles and the lion? 

• It suggests they are more concerned about achieving social status

• It shows them as more actively involved in changing their fate 

• It suggests that they are more sympathetic toward one another

• It portrays them as more fearful of government and authority

What does the word condescension mean as it is used in paragraph 9?

• Pretending to show affection to a friend 

• Having the courage in the face of great danger

• Assuming equality with someone viewed as inferior 

• Feeling sympathy for someone in a similar situation