Arachne

Athena first appears to Arachne in the form of

• an olive tree

• a graceful nymph

• a brown spider

• an old woman

What detail in the story helps you predict that Athena will finish her weaving before Arachne does?

• Athena is weaving a pattern of many pictures.

• Athena is the quicker of the two.

• Arachne keeps glancing at Athena.

• An evil thought comes to Arachne's head.

Arachne is famous throughout Greece for

• the ability to dye wool in brilliant colors

• a temper that cannot be controlled

• her skill in weaving and embroidery

• her light eyes and brown hair

Which detail in the story helps you predict that Arachne will not apologize to Athena?

• Athena warns Arachne in her design.

• Arachne leads Athena to a great loom.

• Athena works more quickly than Arachne.

• Arachne's design shows the gods' bad actions.

How does the myth Arachne try to teach the cultural value of giving credit to others?

• Arachne does not admit that her father has great dyeing skills.

• Arachne avoids complimenting Athena on her beautiful weaving.

• Arachne is rude to the old woman who comes to her doorway.

• Arachne blames the gods' trickery in her woven design.

Which of the following best describes the theme of the text?

• It's unwise for a person to make claims they can't support.

• Pride and overconfidence can lead to a person's demise.

• No matter how skilled a person is, their talents can't compete with the Greek gods.

• It's important to maintain a good attitude, even when you lose.

Which detail from the text best supports your answer to question 6?

• "Surely Athena herself must have taught her," the people would murmur to each other.

• Rest content with your fame of being the best spinner and weaver that mortal eyes have ever beheld.

• The excited crowd in the doorway began to see that the skills of both in truth was very nearly equal.

• Live on and spin, both you and your descendants. When men look at you they may remember that it is not wise to strive with Athena.

How is Arachne affected when she hears that people believe Athena taught her how to weave?

• It insults Arachne and drives her to challenge Athena.

• It flatters Arachne and causes her to become too prideful.

• It angers Arachne, as her father is the one who taught her.

• It causes Arachne to become overconfident in her own abilities.

A place that is obscure is

• in a harsh, dry climate

• located on a hill or mountain

• without laws or government

• far from areas of human population

This Greek myth explains

• The power of Athena

• How spiders came to be

• The way of life in Greek society

• How you should always use caution