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Prometheus Selection Test

Total questions: 26

Worksheet time: 19mins

Name
Class
Date
1-3.

Prometheus

Prometheus is a figure in Greek mythology who is credited with the creation of mankind. He is also known for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans, which led to his punishment by Zeus. According to the myth, Prometheus shaped humans out of clay and Athena breathed life into them.

As a punishment for his actions, Zeus had Prometheus chained to a rock where an eagle would eat his liver every day, only for it to grow back and be eaten again the next day. This punishment lasted for many years until Hercules eventually freed Prometheus.

Prometheus is often seen as a symbol of human progress and the quest for knowledge. His act of giving fire to humans is interpreted as the gift of civilization and the spark of human innovation.

Many works of art and literature have been inspired by the myth of Prometheus, depicting his defiance of the gods and his enduring suffering as a symbol of human resilience and determination.

The story of Prometheus continues to be a source of inspiration and contemplation, raising questions about the nature of humanity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the consequences of defying authority.

Whether seen as a rebellious hero or a cautionary tale, the myth of Prometheus remains a powerful and enduring symbol in Western culture, reflecting the timeless themes of human ambition, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of resilience.

1.

What is the main idea behind the punishment of Prometheus by Zeus and his eventual release by Hercules?

a)

Prometheus's punishment symbolizes the consequences of defying the gods, while his release represents the triumph of human innovation.

b)

The punishment of Prometheus by Zeus was a result of his attempt to steal fire from the gods, while his release by Hercules signifies the power of mortal heroes.

c)

The punishment of Prometheus by Zeus was a punishment for his creation of humans, while his release by Hercules represents the gods' mercy towards humanity.

d)

The punishment of Prometheus by Zeus and his release by Hercules were purely symbolic and had no real significance in Greek mythology.

2.

Who is Prometheus in Greek mythology?

a)

A titan who created mankind and stole fire from the gods

b)

A god who punished mankind for stealing fire

c)

A hero who fought against the gods for the freedom of mankind

d)

A mortal who was granted immortality by the gods

3.

What themes does the story of Prometheus raise?

a)

The nature of humanity

b)

The pursuit of knowledge

c)

The consequences of defying authority

d)

The importance of physical strength

4.

Who was Prometheus's brother?

a)

Zeus

b)

Apollo

c)

Epimetheus

d)

Extrametheus

5.

What did Prometheus form with water and clay?

a)

tigers

b)

lions

c)

gods

d)

man

6.

While Prometheus was making his creation, what was his brother doing?

a)

creating man

b)

stealing fire

c)

giving animals ways to protect themselves

d)

spying on Prometheus

7.

What did Prometheus take from the heavens?

a)

fire

b)

water

c)

hope

d)

divine powers

8.

Who caused all of the troubles?

a)

Epimetheus

b)

Poseidon

c)

the tiger

d)

man

9.

Which of the following is NOT something Man did?

a)

weapons

b)

build a tower to Mt. Olympus

c)

wage war

d)

destroy the earth by being greedy.

10.

What was the first age of man called

a)

Golden

b)

Bronze

c)

Platinum

d)

Silver

11.

What did the Age of Silver bring?

a)

War and pestilence

b)

drought

c)

the four seasons

d)

the concept of time

12.

What came in the Bronze and Iron age?

a)

War

b)

flood

c)

tornadoes

d)

blizzards

13.

Why was Prometheus chained to a rock?

a)

To keep him from rescuing man

b)

thinking of a way to overthrow Zeus

c)

creating man

d)

giving man fire

14.

When times were hard, what gave man the strength to carry on?

a)

Thinking of the strength of Prometheus

b)

the divine power that Prometheus gave man

c)

his ability to solve problems

d)

Plans of how to free Prometheus

15.

Besides being chained to a rock, what else was Prometheus's punishment?

a)

an everlasting thirst

b)

endless guilt

c)

vultures tearing out his liver

d)

ants crawling over his skin for eternity

16.
  1. Which are most closely the traits bestowed onto Pandora by the other gods (besides Jupiter)?

a)
  1. Kindness, happiness, streng

b)
  1. Life, freedom, curiosity

c)
  1. Intelligence, wisdom, skill

d)
  1. Beauty, kindness, curiosity

17.
  1. Which of these passages most strongly explains why Jupiter will not give fire to man?

a)
  1. “With fire they could at least warm their bodies and cook their food,’ Prometheus thought, ‘and later they could make tools and build houses for themselves and enjoy some of the comforts of the gods."

b)
  1. “So Prometheus went to Jupiter and asked that he might be permitted to carry fire to the earth.”

c)
  1. “If men had fire they would soon be as strong and wise as we who dwell on Olympus.”

d)
  1. “That young Titan!’ he cried out, when he heard what Prometheus had done."

18.
  1. What mainly does the following passage reveal (paragraph 10)?

    “And instead of being sad and unhappy they began to laugh and sing.”

a)
  1. Men decided to be joyous even though Jupiter forbade them to have fire.

b)
  1. Prometheus changed the lives of men for the better by giving them fire to use.

c)
  1. Men realized they had more control of their lives than the gods had, and the men were happy.

d)
  1. Jupiter became generous and allowed men to use fire to make their lives comfortable.

19.
  1. The author relates the story of Prometheus mainly in .

a)

linear order (chronologically)

b)

non-linear order

c)

order of importance

d)

flashbacks

20.
  1. Which of the following inferences about Prometheus is best supported by the excerpt?

a)
  1. He wishes he had been sent a wife instead of Epimetheus.

b)
  1. He relates better to the men on earth than to the other gods.

c)
  1. He is easily discouraged by Jupiter’s refusal of his request.

d)
  1. He is lying to Lo at the end of the excerpt.

21.
  1. Which sentence from the passage most strongly supports the the idea that Prometheus related humans more so than he did the gods on Olympus?

a)
  1. “Instead he preferred to spend his time on the earth, helping men to find easier and better ways of living.”

b)
  1. “‘If men had fire they would soon be as strong and wise as we who dwell on Olympus. Never will I give my consent.'"

c)
  1. “Immediately, taking a long stalk in his hands, he set out for the dwelling of the sun in the far east.”

d)
  1. “Year after year he lay in agony, and yet he would not complain, beg for mercy or repent of what he had done.”

22.
  1. Which inference about Jupiter is best supported by the entire excerpt?

a)
  1. Jupiter is considerate of those weaker than him.

b)
  1. Jupiter is sentimental about the time he’s spent on earth.

c)
  1. Jupiter is protective of man.

d)
  1. Jupiter is often motivated by vengeance.

23.
  1. Which passage most strongly supports the the idea that Jupiter could often be motivated by vengeance?

a)
  1. “Indeed, they were very poor and wretched and cold, without fire, without food, and with no shelter but miserable caves.”

b)
  1. “Now Pandora had brought with her as a gift from Jupiter a golden casket.”

c)
  1. “But before punishing Prometheus he decided to vex the children of men.”

d)
  1. “He climbed the rugged peak, slew the fierce eagle, and with mighty blows broke the chains that bound the friend of man.”

24.

How does Jupiter respond to Prometheus’s request to take fire to the earth and why? What does Jupiter’s response indicate about his character? Cite strong textual evidence to support your answer.

4 lines
25.

Who has more power, Jupiter or Prometheus? How do you know? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

4 lines
26.


“Prometheus” is a myth because it explains ______.

a)

the gods’ intelligence

b)

fire’s origin

c)

Greek towns

d)

ancient diseases

27.

What does Prometheus do to help humans overcome their fear of fire?  (1 pt)A.cures diseaseB.makes helmetsC.cooks foodD.warms castles

a)

He cures disease.

b)

He makes helmets.

c)

He cooks food for them.

d)

He warms castles.

28.

Zeus says in “Prometheus” that he wants to keep fire away from humanity because _____.

a)

Prometh.eus is a Titan.

b)

Zeus is supernatural.

c)

People are like animals.

d)

Humans are happy.