Understanding Arachne and Athena

This information helps the reader understand that debtor in paragraph 4 means

• A guilty of neglect

• B person who owes money

• C person who owes recognition

• D borrower of ideas

What is the meaning of reverence in paragraph 11?

• F With admiration

• G With respect

• H With amazement

• J With dread

The actions of Arachne in paragraph 15 are significant because they show that -

• A she depends on her weaving to keep her safe from Athena's wrath

• B her relationship with the gods is intense

• C her attitude towards the gods will be her undoing

• D she is more interested in herself

Based on the information throughout the story, how does Arachne feel about Athena?

• F Arachne appreciates the fact that Athena is accomplished in arts and crafts.

• G Arachne fears that Athena would punish her as Orion was punished by the gods.

• H Arachne is angered that the nymphs offered Athena respect that Arachne does not think she deserves.

• J Arachne is insulted because Athena thinks she is superior to Arachne and all other humans.

Based on the inclusion of gods in the story, the reader can conclude that the story is -

• A historical fiction

• B an adventure story

• C a myth

• D a legend

What is the primary theme in the story?

• F Be cautious of being overconfident.

• G Give credit where credit is due.

• H Treat others as you wish to be treated.

• J Think things through before taking action.

The author's use of third-person omniscient point in this story enables the reader to

• A determine the narrator's part in the story

• B understand all of the characters and situations

• C focus on the rivalry between the narrator and Arachne

• D know only what is going on inside of the heart and mind of Athena

What is the best summary of paragraphs 13-16?

• F Athena creates webs with lifelike images that show mercy on her part. She gives Poseidon a horse and turns a woman of Troy into a crane. Arachne looks at Athena's web, but decides to make Zeus and Apollo into birds and beasts. Athena is fascinated by Arachne's work. Athena allows Arachne to weave the rest of her days.

• G Athena goes to where Arachne lives and challenges her to a weaving contest. When Arachne refuses to see the warning in Athena's web, Athena destroys Arachne's web and hits Arachne on the head with her spindle.

• H Arachne creates a web full of disrespect for the gods, even though Athena has warned her not to provoke the gods. Athena's web has wonderful colors and represents her forgiveness of Arachne.

• J Athena and Arachne start to weave. Athena creates stories to caution Arachne of the power of herself over gods and mortals. Arachne, not looking at what Athena was weaving, wove stories poking fun at the gods. Athena, though in awe of Arachne's work, destroyed Arachne's web, and then turned Arachne into a spider.

Why is Athena's response to Arachne's weaving important to the story?

• A Athena's pride made her blind to Arachne's talent.

• B Athena's admiration caused her to become overconfident.

• C Athena's anger got in the way of her weaving.

• D Athena's humiliation led to Arachne's ruin.