WorksheetsOrpheus, Arachne, Midas (Character Flaws)
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 9mins
Why did the gods choose not to help King Midas, at first, when he begged them to take back his wish?
They didn't have the power to reverse the wish
They wanted to teach King Midas a lesson
They were angry at King Midas for his greed
They were too busy with other matters
Would it be a compliment to tell someone they have the 'Midas touch'?
No, because it refers to King Midas' punishment
Yes, because it means they have the ability to make things successful
No, because it refers to King Midas' tragic flaw
Yes, because it means they have the ability to turn things to gold
How can myths such as the story of King Midas help us to make wise future decisions?
By encouraging us to seek out magical wishes
By demonstrating the value of gold and riches
By showing us the power of gods and goddesses
By teaching us the consequences of greed and selfishness
What problem (flaw) does the character of Arachne have? How does this end up hurting her?
Fear, which prevents her from achieving her goals
Generosity, which makes her vulnerable
Laziness, which causes her to lose her skills
Pride, which leads to her downfall
What is Athena's final warning to Arachne?
To stop weaving altogether
To apologize and acknowledge Athena's skill
To continue weaving but with humility
To challenge Athena to a final competition
What values (lessons/morals) does the story of Arachne hope to teach the people of Greece?
The importance of humility and respect for the gods
The value of hard work and dedication
The power of revenge and defiance
The significance of wealth and material possessions
Does Arachne deserve the punishment she receives? Was Athena a fair goddess?
Yes, because Athena's actions were justified
No, because Athena's punishment was too harsh
No, because Arachne was simply defending her skills
Yes, because Arachne's pride was her downfall
How does Eurydice die? What is especially tragic about her death?
She dies in a battle, which is tragic for her family
She dies in a fire, which is tragic for her community
She dies of old age, which is tragic for her loved ones
She dies from a snake bite, which is tragic for Orpheus
Discuss the way Orpheus's music is influenced and changed by his feelings at various points in the story.
His music becomes more joyful as he searches for Eurydice
His music becomes softer and soothing as he accepts Eurydice's fate
His music becomes more intense and painful as he mourns Eurydice
His music becomes aggressive and angry as he confronts Hades
Is Hades fair to Orpheus and Eurydice?
No, because he refuses to let Eurydice return to the upper world
Yes, because he shows compassion towards Orpheus and Eurydice
Yes, because he allows Orpheus to try and save Eurydice
No, because he punishes Orpheus for his love and grief
Does the same emotion that causes Orpheus to descend into the underworld also cause Orpheus to lose his love?
Yes, because his love for Eurydice leads him to seek her in the underworld
No, because his love for Eurydice is not the reason for his descent
Yes, because his grief and longing for Eurydice ultimately lead to her loss
No, because his music is the true cause of Eurydice's disappearance
The music Orpheus makes can greatly affect other characters in the story. How does music affected him? Do you think music can change his mood?
Yes, but only certain types of music can influence someone
Yes, music can greatly impact our mood and emotions
No, music affects some but not everyone
No, music has no effect on the mood or emotions
What should King Midas have done differently to avoid such consequences?
He should have refused the offer from Dionysus and killed the satyr
He should have wished for something else instead of the golden touch
He should have been content with what he already had
He should have consulted with his daughter before making the wish
What should Arachne have done differently to avoid such punishment?
She should have apologized to Athena and acknowledged her skill
She should have continued weaving but with humility and gratitude
She should have challenged Athena to a fair competition
She should have stopped weaving altogether to avoid angering the gods
What should Orpheus have done differently to avoid such consequences?
He should have used his music to charm Hades into releasing Eurydice
He should have trusted Hades' word and not looked back at Eurydice
He should have never ventured into the underworld to save Eurydice
He should have accepted Eurydice's fate, pretended she was just a friend, and moved on
