Myth of Prometheus

What is Jupiter's punishment for man?

• Jupiter becomes very angry when he realizes what Prometheus has done. Jupiter’s worry and fear leads him to seek revenge on Prometheus and the humans. So, he develops a clever plan to use Pandora to release pain, worry, and death into the world.

• Jupiter is very happy when he realizes what Prometheus has done. This leads Jupiter to help Prometheus and the humans. So, he develops a clever plan to use Pandora to bring happiness into the world.

• Jupiter is very jealous when he realizes what Prometheus has done because he wanted to help the humans. This leads Jupiter to punish Prometheus and the humans. So, he develops a clever plan to use Pandora to bring happiness into the world.

What does Jupiter's punishment for man symbolizes?

• This punishment symbolizes the dangers humans encounter when they upset the natural order of things. Humans are ultimately flawed, and Pandora’s box represents the results and consequences humans must suffer when the natural order of things are disrupted.

• This punishment symbolizes the dangers humans encounter when they are too weak to think for themselves. Humans are ultimately flawed and cannot defend themselves against others in the world or beasts.

• This punishment symbolizes the curiosity humans encounter when they are too weak to think or do things for themselves. Humans are ultimately flawed and cannot think for themselves and know how to survive with others in the world.

How are humans influenced by Prometheus' decision to defy Jupiter?

• Humans benefit from Prometheus’ decision to defy Jupiter because they gain fire, and Prometheus teaches them how to cook, protect themselves, and make tools. The humans become more civilized and get rid of their animal-like ways. As a result of Prometheus’ actions, humankind becomes happy once again.

• Humans do not benefit from Prometheus’ decision to defy Jupiter because they still cold. The humans are uncivilized and have animal-like ways. As a result of Prometheus’ actions, humankind is no longer happy.

• Humans benefit from Prometheus’ decision to defy Jupiter because they learn to make clothes, and Prometheus teaches them how to read and how to keep things cold when it's hot. The humans become more civilized and get rid of their animal-like ways. As a result of Prometheus’ actions, humankind becomes smart once again.

What motivates Prometheus to defy Jupiter?

• Prometheus is upset that humankind is in such a bad condition. Jupiter, the tyrant, is ruling in a way that is ruining humankind. Prometheus wants to help humans and return happiness and health to them, so the humans may be better and wiser.

• Prometheus is upset that humankind is so powerful and wise. He remembers what it was like when Saturn was king and humankind worshiped the gods. Prometheus wants the humans to return to the way they were when Saturn was king. Prometheus wants to the gods to be rulers and mankind to suffer.

• Prometheus is motivated by the humans kindness and strong will to survive. He noticed how they taught themselves how to make houses, weapons, and cook their food. This motivated Prometheus to help teach them other things little by little.

What does Prometheus' defiance say about his character?

• He is kind and unselfish. He is also caring.

• He is selfish and mean. He is a tyrant.

• He is lazy and ignorant.

• He is uncaring and self-centered.

What evidence supports Prometheus' defiance to Jupiter?

• “He went out amongst men to live with them and help them; for his heart was filled with sadness when he found that they were no longer happy…”

• “These creatures flew into every house, and, without anyone seeing them, nestled down in the bosoms of men and women and children, and put an end to all their joy; and ever since that day they have been flitting and creeping, unseen and unheard, over all the land, bringing pain and sorrow and death into every household.”

• “The name of this creature was Foreboding, and although he was almost half out of the casket, Pandora pushed him back and shut the lid so tight that he could never escape."

Why does Jupiter refuse to give humans fire?

• Mankind might become as powerful as he is.

• Mankind would be happier living a simple life.

• Mankind should not live better lives than the beasts.

• Mankind did not deserve kindness from the Mighty Ones.

Which quotation from the story supports the answer to the previous question?

• "...they might become strong and wise like ourselves..."

• “. . . we Mighty Ones may thrive and be happy.

• “It is best for them to be poor and ignorant . . .”

• “. . . let them live like the beasts.”

What does Jupiter's actions reveal about his character?

• Jupiter's actions reveal that he is selfish and worried about humankind becoming more powerful than the gods.

• Jupiter's actions reveal that he is kind and cares about humankind.

• Jupiter's actions reveal that he is unconcerned about humankind becoming powerful.

What evidence supports how humans are influenced by Prometheus' decision to defy Jupiter?

• “After that, Prometheus taught them, little by little, a thousand things. He showed them how to build houses of wood and stone, and how to tame sheep and cattle and make them useful, and how to plow and sow and reap, and how to protect themselves from the storms of winter and the beasts of the woods. Then he showed them how to dig in the earth for copper and iron, and how to melt the ore, and how to hammer it into shape and fashion from it the tools and weapons which they needed in peace and war…”

• “While the Mighty Folk were spending their time in idleness, drinking nectar and eating ambrosia, he was intent upon plans for making the world wiser and better than it had ever been before.”

• "Why, if men had fire they might become strong and wise like ourselves, and after a while they would drive us out of our kingdom. Let them shiver with cold, and let them live like the beasts. It is best for them to be poor and ignorant, so that we Mighty Ones may thrive and be happy.”