Arachne Story Questions

In "Arachne" by Olivia Coolidge, how does the author develop the theme of pride and its consequences?

• By showing the negative impact of Arachne's pride on her relationships with others

• By depicting Arachne's pride as a source of strength and motivation

• By presenting characters who have a positive attitude towards Arachne's pride

• By contrasting Arachne's pride with that of other characters

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What is the main purpose of the story's conflict between Arachne and Athena?

• To entertain readers with a thrilling competition

• To explore the consequences of pride and arrogance

• To encourage readers to appreciate the value of friendship

• To highlight the importance of respecting authority figures

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Select a piece of evidence that best support the idea that Athena is willing to punish those who challenge her authority.

• "Athena looked at her and felt a strange pity."

• "'Live, then,' she said. 'But hang forever, you and your descendants, by a thread.'"

• "She appeared before Arachne in the form of an old woman, her gray hair falling around her shoulders."

• "The nymphs were awestruck by its beauty."

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Part A: What is the significance of Arachne's transformation into a spider at the end of the story?

• It represents the consequences of her arrogance.

• It signifies a new beginning for Arachne and her family.

• It symbolizes the defeat of the gods and the triumph of human skill.

• It demonstrates the power of friendship and forgiveness.

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Part B: Which piece of evidence best supports the answer to Part A?

• “... she saw that the maiden had taken for her design a pattern of scenes that showed evil or unworthy actions of the gods, how they had deceived  fair maidens, resorted to trickery, and appeared on earth from time to time in the form of poor and humble people.”

• “Arachne stood for a moment struggling with anger, fear, and pride.”

• “As the body of Arachne shriveled up; and her legs gre tiny, spindly an distorted. There before the eyes of the spectators hung a dusty brown spider on a slender thread.”

• "Athena looked at her and felt a strange pity. 'Live, then,' she said. 'But hang forever, you and your descendants, by a thread. Spin your fate and weave the doom of others.'"

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In "Arachne" by Olivia Coolidge, how does the setting of ancient Greece contribute to the story's meaning?

• It highlights the importance of mythology and legends in Greek culture.

• It emphasizes the role of family and community values in ancient Greece.

• It underscores the harsh realities of everyday life in ancient Greece.

• It emphasizes the power of the gods and their influence on humanity

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Which quote from "Arachne" best supports the idea that Arachne is a skilled weaver?

• "Her hands seemed guided by a power not her own, and the pattern of her work was beyond any that the nymphs had ever seen." (paragraph 5)

• "She was far too proud to admit that anyone might be better than she." (paragraph 4)

• "No one had ever seen such intricate and lifelike pictures woven into cloth before." (paragraph 2)

• "Arachne's tapestry was a masterpiece, and the nymphs were awestruck by its beauty." (paragraph 9)

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In what ways does the character of Athena serve as a foil (contrast) to Arachne in the story?

• By demonstrating humility and acknowledging Arachne's talent

• By showcasing her own weaving abilities while still respecting the other gods and goddesses

• By challenging Arachne to a competition to prove her own superiority

• By seeking guidance from other gods and goddesses before confronting Arachne

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How does the setting of Arachne's village and the weaving contest between Arachne and Athena contribute to the story's tone in "Arachne"?

• It establishes a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere that contrasts with the tension between Arachne and Athena.

• It creates a sense of isolation and separation from the wider world, emphasizing Arachne's defiance of the gods.

• It highlights the importance of artistic skill and competition within the community, intensifying the conflict between the two characters.

• It emphasizes the role of family and community values in ancient Greece.

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What does the term "descendants" mean?

 

The goddess touched the rope and touched the maiden. “Live on, wicked girl,” she said. “Live on and spin, both you and your descendants.”

• Children and future generations related to a person

• The people who live in the same village as a person

• The followers or devotees of a particular belief system

• A group of people who share a similar talent or skill

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