Atalanta's Race

Which statement provides an objective summary of the selection?

• Atalanta wished to marry and have an extravagant wedding, and asks princes to complete for her hand. A man named Young John wins the competitions, and Atalanta deems him worthy to marry her.

• Atalanta wants to be married, but cannot find a desirable person to marry her. Young John wins the right to marry Atalanta, but in the end, they decide to wait until after they have traveled the world for a year.

• Atalanta's father, the king, wants his daughter to marry a prince, but she refuses to consider anyone. The king decides that Young John will be a suitable husband to Atatanta instead, and Atalanta agrees after much negotiation

• Atalanta's father, the king, wants high daughter to marry, but she does not want to do so. The king decides to have people race to win the right to marry Atalanta, so she competes, wins, and chooses to remain unmarried.

How does the repetition of the word powerful in paragraphs 3 and 7 affect the tone of the selection?

• It creates a tone of hope.

• It creates a tine of authority.

• It creates a tone of frustration.

• It creates a tone of excitement.

How does the phrase “clever girl” affect the meaning of paragraph 8?

• It suggests that Atalanta is creative in opposing the king's race.

• It suggests that Atalanta is excited about running in the king's race.

• It suggests that Atalanta is suspicious of her competitors in the king's race.

• It suggests that Atalanta is nervous about running in the king's race.

Which quote shows the contrast between Young John’s perspective and that of the king?

• Young John saw the princess only from a distance, but near enough to know how bright and clever she was. He wished very much to race with her, to win, and to earn the right to talk with her and become her friend.

• "For surely," he said to himself, "it is not right for Atalanta's father to give her away to the winner of the race. Atalanta herself must choose the person she wants to marry, or whether she wishes to marry at all."

• "Not one of them," she said to herself, "can win the race, for I will run fast as the wind and leave them all behind." And now a bugle sounded, a flag was dropped, and the runners were off!

• Atalanta raced even faster to pull ahead, but Young John was a strong match for her. Smiling with the pleasure of the race, Atalanta and Young John reached the finish line together, and together they broke through the golden ribbon.

Which quote supports the inference that the king had little confidence in Atalanta’s skill as a runner?

• Once upon a time, not long ago, there lived a princess named Atalanta, who could run as fast as the wind.

• "You don't have to choose, Father," Atalanta said, "I will choose. And I'm not sure that I will choose to marry anyone at all"

• The king rose to address them all. "Good day", he said to the crowds. "Good luck," he said to the young men. To Atalanta he said, "Good-bye. I must tell you farewell, for tomorrow you will be married."

• Soon another young man, tense with the effort, drew near to Atalanta. He reached out as though to touch her sleeve, stumbled for an instant, and lost speed.

How does the simile “run fast as the wind” in paragraph 19 influence the theme?

• It suggests the setting is cool and windy

• It creates a lighthearted and fun tone

• it shows that the runners are training with great effort.

• It supports the idea of freedom and independence.

What can be inferred about Young John, based on paragraph 28?

• He is honorable and thoughtful

• He is rude and selfish

• He is arrogant and childish

• He is brave and clever

What do Atalanta and Young John have in common?

• They are curious about the world.

• They never want to get married

• They hope to find love elsewhere

• They are committed to their studies.